About

KAREN OKADA

Work Process:
I am fascinated by sacred geometry and the observation of our own existence as we are influenced by one another to make up the greater whole. I see my surroundings as one I can imagine always changing and embracing. Reimagining, designing and making for me must always have a grounding and purpose. My work has become one of symbolism and energy.

I begin each piece with a meditation. I’m attracted to stones that symbolize the raw beauty and natural geometric structure of mother earth and her forces of nature. Each stone carries both carbon and water and like each of us, they hold energy. They are all unique and exquisite.

When I create jewelry or make a painting, the action and its symbolism is a genuine endeavor to ground and elevate our everyday existence. In all my work I hope to catalyze a way to see ourselves as part of this planet, to embrace our path, and hold space for ourselves and each-other. It’s quantum entanglement.

Background:
I was raised on a small peach farm in an agricultural town in central California. After then living in Los Angeles for a lifetime, I now call Boulder my home after moving here twice. I was raised in a home where quality and craft was practiced. I’ve always been a maker at heart.

My other life was for almost three decades was living and breathing in the fashion industry as head designer for Climax, by Karen Okada for David Howard for thirteen years where I designed the nightly evening dresses for Vanna White (Wheel of Fortune) and had pieces in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue. After a few year break, I then became one of the head designers at Bebe. Cocktail and evening dresses were my passion. I loved the creativity and the practice of being an architect of a garment. The attention to detail and the pulse of timing was critical. I fulfilled that love with accomplishment. Never looking back, I moved to Boulder with my family. I am still a maker at heart.