Karen Viola Artworks

A bit about me

I run a micro-publishing shop, Climbing Tree Press, and a freelance graphic design business, Climbing Tree Studio, focused on innovative children’s books. I am an Appalachian Trail section hiker and have logged 1000 miles, and counting. I have a BFA in illustration and and a MA in Liberal Studies focusing on ways to cultivate ecological literacy through visual art and literature. View my CV here.

My art practice

My interdisciplinary art practice is focused on a sense of kinship with the land. I gravitate towards book art and other research-based, poetic syntheses of images and text using a combination of digital and traditional techniques using paper, hand-dyed textiles, and found materials. I strive to offer artworks which inspire curiosity, conversation, and critical thinking in these challenging times.

Let’s connect

Follow me on instagram: @climbingtreedesign

Follow my creative and trail adventures on my Switchbacks blog.

Please contact me with any questions about purchasing, commissioning, or collaborating: kviola (at) climbingtreedesign (dot) com.