Statement
Nature is my constant muse. My artwork is inspired by her wild and mysterious spirit, from the most precious details to the overwhelming grandeur of the landscape.
I'm interested in our innate, ancient desire to connect with nature, not only in the wider world, but also through the practice of decorating our homes, buildings, and wares with its flora and fauna. In doing so, I believe you bring seeds of nature’s soul into your home.
About
My home studio is in Pensacola, Florida where I live with my husband, dogs, cats, mini-pigs, chickens, rabbit, and mini-donkeys. When I’m not creating or tending to my animals, you’ll likely find me on a run, a long road trip, reading, or digging in the garden. I grow and forage much of the plant material I reference for my artwork.
In 2020 our home, that sits on the coastline of the Gulf, was heavily damaged by Hurricane Sally. Having to move from it for a year and half taught me how deeply I need nature for my spiritual well-being.
Since then, the focus of my artistic practice has become creating art that more deeply grounds me to the natural world, seen and unseen.
I received a BFA in Studio Art from Auburn University in 2012 with a focus on painting and printmaking. I worked as an interior decorator, gallery manager, and jewelry designer while simultaneously exhibiting my work before becoming a full-time artist in 2018.
I’ve been featured in Southern Living and Emerald Coast Magazine. I’m represented by the Grand Bohemian Gallery in Greenville, South Carolina.
LIST OF ESSENTIALS
black leather boots
gilt frames
hardcover books
candles
sharp pruning shears
cocktails in crystal glasses
an overflowing cheese drawer
Want to work with me…
Are you a gallery, interior designer, blogger, or journalist?
I’m always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Please tell me how we can make something beautiful together.
CV
Kara Valentino Ffield
1990, San Diego, CA
Lives and works in Pensacola, FL
EDUCATION
2012 BFA Studio Art Auburn, AL
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2010 Fine Arts Juried Student Exhibition, Juror Sylvie Fortin, Editor-in-Chief, Art Papers, Biggin Gallery, Auburn, AL
2011 The Interconnected World, Hamden Gallery, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Fine Arts Juried Student Exhibition, Juror Dr. Peter Chametzky, Biggin Gallery, Auburn, AL
Let There Be Art!, The Columbus Museum, Columbus, GA
2012 Fine Arts Juried Student Exhibition, Juror Peter Plagens, Biggin Gallery, Auburn, AL
Coyotes that Cuddle, Baggage Depot Gallery, Opelika, AL
Grandiflora, Ardistry Salon, Auburn, AL
Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman: A Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper by Undergraduate Art Students, Juror Diane Edison, Jules Collins Smith Museum, Auburn, AL
Half Dozen, Biggin Gallery, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
2016 How Does Your Garden Grow, Juried, Artel Gallery, Pensacola., FL
2018 25th Anniversary Show, Artel Gallery, Pensacola, FL
INTERNATIONAL GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2011 International Response to Gulf Oil Disaster, California State University, Northridge, CA
SOLO EXHIBITONS
2019. Not So Tame, Rock Hard Design House, Pensacola, FL
REPRESENTATION
2014 – 2015 Mainline Art House, Pensacola, FL
2025-present Grand Bohemian Gallery, Greenville, SC
PRESS
2015 Southern Living, A Weekend in Pensacola
2016 Ruby Wolf, Spotlight Artist
2019 Rustico Blog, How I Journal\
2024 Emerald Coast Magazine, From Field to Easel