Some artists choose one medium and spend a lifetime mastering it. Karli Fairbanks has found freedom in exploring many.
Based in Spokane, Washington, Karli is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative practice spans illustration, design, murals, ceramics, songwriting, and poetry. Rather than seeing these disciplines as separate, she treats them as different ways of telling the same story—one rooted in connection, curiosity, and the belief that we're all here together.
Her artwork reflects that philosophy. Moody florals, graceful night swans, and desert cowgirl scenes come together to create imagery that feels both nostalgic and quietly hopeful. Every piece invites you to slow down, notice beauty, and reconnect with the world around you.
To learn more about Karli's creative journey, we asked her a few questions.
1. What has driven you to be an artist?
Ever since I was little I was drawn to visual art and music. I begged to take lessons and buy art supplies and drawing books. I loved the impressionists and post impressionists and imagined myself painting in a garden somewhere with a cool hat like Monet. Still trying to be Monet tbh.
2. What is your favorite medium to work with?
I love drawing but lately I've been doing a lot of ceramics. It's such a fun medium to get me off screens and make a mess. I love working with clay. You get to sculpt your canvas and then execute your compositions on that canvas. It just opens up the variability to an infinite level.
3. How do you get through a creative block?
I switch mediums! When I feel stuck with something I jump to another medium. When I'm working on a design or a piece of art and I feel exhausted or uninspired I pull out my guitar and work on a song. And back and forth and back and forth until something good happens! It also sometimes ends up being a way I procrastinate on projects, but usually it works out pretty well for me. Also, lots of walks with my dog.
4. What are you currently working on or excited about?
I do a lot of art markets around the holidays so I've started dreaming of some new designs to launch for those markets.
5. What's one piece of advice that's shaped your creative journey?
It's silly, but my high school art teacher, Mr. Betts used to say, "If it were easy, they would have mice doing it." Art can be a really difficult endeavor, let alone career. There are days when it feels really daunting to show up to your creative practice. I think every artist has had those days where they end up in tears or throwing away an entire day's work in frustration! I try to remember that it's not supposed to be easy and that helps me a lot. The challenge of it motivates me to press on and face each piece of work with some bravery. Matisse, my favorite artist, said..."creativity takes courage". And I really believe that. True, authentic, heart led creativity takes courage.
6. What are 5 things currently inspiring you? (e.g., music, books, artists, places, objects)
Book - Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue - one of my favorite poets and authors around spirituality. As an artist this book is really inspiring and grounding.
Music - Sweet Fortune by Ryan Beatty - just a cool new album i've been jamming to recently
Artists - Yumi Sakugawa - this artist is an amazing thought leader and writer. Their work around creative practice has been really impactful to me over the past year.
7. Anything else you want us to know?
I don't think so!
8. Where is the best place to view your art?
My website karlifairbanks.com or follow me on instagram @karlifairbanks
I also do a monthly newsletter where I yap about creativity and share things I'm working on. You can find that on my website.
Want to bring a little of Karli Fairbanks' creative spirit into your everyday? Shop the Karli Fairbanks Collection and follow @karlifairbanks to keep up with her latest artwork, ceramics, music, and reflections on creativity.
