“The ordinary things that are right in front of me, to me that is how I express my faith,” she said. “This material world, I know it’s not all there is, but it matters. And it’s also signposts for what’s ahead. … That is just jaw-droppingly beautiful.” Read more about artist Karen Woods.

“I sand, layer, and scar, wanting to reproduce a piece that has a patina of age. I seek figures and faces that seem to be familiar with the tensions of life. That bear some battle scars. And yet, have victory, even if a crippled or limping one.”