CAN YOU SEE ME? An Unveiling of the Human Spirit, is a wonderfully crafted collection by a woman who is immensely talented. MS. Holt captures images in time that reflect much depth in emotion and the little surprises in life that seem to keep us going. She seems sincerely moved by a deep spirit and imbues her work with a rare tenderness and keen eye for nuances that many of us would miss.
Her work has rich textures and soothing colors. I also pick up on an attentiveness to form in landscape and of the human body.
Like most great artists, her vision becomes our gift to behold and inspire us in multiple ways.
An ongoing job that is so well done.
does encapsulate the spirit
Top 1000 Reviewer (USA)
The book is of the highest quality. Too often people try and cut corners and they don't do justice to their work because of it. CAN YOU SEE ME? An Unveiling of the Human Spirit is as lovely a book as the cover promises.
This is a powerful book in countless ways. What struck me first were the powerful paintings. Oh what talent! I almost looked past the words in my eagerness to get to more pictures. I'm so glad I didn't. Anyone and everyone can relate to the powerful words in the poetry and prose. I am not a poetry person but this is more than poetry. This is truth, transparent and haunting.
The layout is wonderful with tons of white space to showcase the pictures and set off the words. I loved the little touches like the screened words in a larger font. This book is simply a visual treat.
Karen's own honesty about difficult issues in her life inspires me to face my issues. This is a book I will keep where others can find and enjoy this simple and sincere blending of art and words.
A Beautiful Creation
Carmen Leal (Naples, FL USA)
Author of the Twenty-Third Psalm Series
" Imagery and color, both painted and verbal, compose an obbligato to living. Like music, they accompany our journey through life, enhancing the good days, making the bad times bearable.
This collection, whether created from pigments or words is appealing and constructive. The portraiture is more than an onlooker's delight, and the complementary inspirational verse is simple, stirring, sincere: A blend of deep knowing at eye-level.
Painting is an art of revelation. Beyond depictions of shape and texture, the painter must not only see beneath surfaces, but be able to deliver insights and discoveries to all who view the work. If, in the process, the artistry also conveys hope and healing, the sum total is both irresistible and miraculous.
Karen Holt excels at this, her art."
Glenna Holloway
Pushcart Prize winner, 2000
" As a non-artist surrounded daily by talented artists of all ages, I look to Karen Holt's work for the essence of humankind, works that simply and exquisitely speak to us.
Her eloquence with words and incredible ability to artistically capture the innocence of a child, the absolute devotion of a man's best friend, and the infinite love of a father, ensure works of art that inspire us all.
Treading carefully through the delicate balance between light and darkness, despair and joy, Karen Holt's paintings and poetry transcend the everyday situations they depict."
Kendra E Dane
Executive Director of Admissions & Marketing
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
"I believe this book is the most unique and touching book I have ever read or seen. The artist's style, the choice of artwork and sensitive words that pierce your heart, will touch its readers as no other book has before."
Dessa Rodeffer
President/Publisher, Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
"Your words and paintings brought chills to my soul and tears to my eyes. Beautifully written, it touched me deep within. Congratulations! -- and thank you."
Diane M Brierley
President, Dallas Theater Center Guild
"An Inspiring and beautiful retrospective... She faced her darkest secrets head on, abandoning safety, security and silence - moving fully into the light by finding her gift and following her passion."
Mary Holt
President, Matrix Associates
"What talent and insight you have in your paintings and writings. You have the ability to reach down into a person's soul and capture it, causing one to stop and reflect. Your audience experiences many different emotions through your brilliant art.
It has been my great pleasure and joy to see many of your original paintings in person for over 20 years. It is fun to celebrate life with you: your art indeed touches the human spirit.
You fly with the eagles and soar with the best."
Elaine Schneider
Civic Leader
ESA Award of Excellence & Women of the Year
"Your labor of love is quite amazing. It reflects so beautifully your talents and commitment to all that is good in life."
Barbara Valenti
Collector of Portraiture by Karen Holt
"...Karen Holt communicates on a high, spiritual level and that is reflected in the pages of this book."
Gordon Wetmore
Artist & Author