Kathleen Varnell

The “Wounded Series” was influenced by the trauma and turmoil of the year 2001, not only the events of September 11^th and the sniper attacks, but also lost love and friendship lost.

Notice the expression on the faces: serene and calm.   They are still trying to be beautiful and positive throughout the chaos, but needing a place to hide, a place of temporary refuge.  A place that re-charges, re-energizes and rejuvenates.  The vessel is that comfort zone, that healing place, that place where dreams and fantasies are also cathartic.

Kathleen Varnell was born in Jackson, Mississippi where she received her BA degree in Art with a concentration in ceramics and graphics from Jackson State University in 1990.  She earned her Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from Howard University in 2001.  She is now an Exhibits Specialist (graphics) with the Office of Exhibits Central, The Smithsonian Institution.

Ms. Varnell has shown her work in numerous solo and group shows across the United States.