Karin Walkingstick's foray into professional art making occurred later in life than it does for many artists. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Walkingstick has had a passion for art and creative expression since a young age, however, it was not until raising a family that, in 2013, she found the time in her schedule to venture into a pottery class taught by Cherokee National Treasure Jane Osti. There, she discovered a joy of working with clay that she says altered her life. It was a change illustrated in a career that quickly advanced and has earned Walkingstick commercial and critical success in her practice.

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In an artistic career spanning less than 10 years, Walkingstick has already garnered numerous honors, including first place in contemporary pottery at Santa Fe Indian Market, first place at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ and Best of Class at Cherokee Art Market. She. has been a consistent participant in regional markets and exhibitions. She recently opened her own studio in Claremore, Oklahoma and looks forward to teaching there.

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Walkingstick's early experience as a member of Osti's class turned into a mentorship dynamic with Osti, who introduced Walkingstick to techniques echoing those of her Cherokee culture. In creating her pottery, Walkingstick uses methods handed down through generations of artists, employing Southeastern design elements as she creates one-of-a-kind works that force her to challenge and expand on her creative sensibilities.

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Though grounded in the techniques gleaned from her work under Osti, as Walkingstick developed in her work as an artist, she began feeling inspired to take it in new directions. Her methods now include the addition of color using varying materials. She uses commercial and hand dug clay,  fires in a kiln or open ground fire and her pieces are hand-coiled and finished with stone burnishing to ensure strength and a smooth surface.

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Though experimental at first, Walkingstick's pieces rapidly became popular, with the demand helping drive momentum for a career that continues to ascend.

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