Rising Stars: Meet Keri Carnes of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Carnes

Hi Keri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been interested in fine art and painting, but (like many people) I initially made choices to prioritize a stable career. I spent the first 16 years of my adult life studying and working in local government. I am a really industrious person and have always worked while pursuing my education at the same time, even while having a big family and being a foster parent.

This meant working double time to get everything done–waking up at 4 or 5am to study. When I finally reached my last goal of receiving my CPA, I couldn’t stop waking up at that time and had down time for the first time in my life! So, I decided to use that time to rediscover my love of painting. Once I picked that paintbrush back up I just couldn’t put it back down and it’s changed the whole trajectory of my life in all the best ways.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. I am very risk-adverse (which is why I chose a “safe” career originally) and it’s been emotionally very difficult to take a risk. That’s not even touching on how difficult it is to learn a completely new skill and industry after having an established career, and having others depending on you.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a representational artist that focuses on family life, especially childhood, and our internal narratives and growth. My work is informed by my roles as a foster, adoptive, step and biological mother. Because we have such an unusual family structure, we are constantly renegotiating our roles and identities. While these dynamics affect every member of our family, observing my children as they make sense of these moments is especially interesting, and so most of my work focuses on the ideas of identity and internal narrative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kericarnes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kericarnes.art/