Image of Kariba smiling with her paint brushes bundled in her hands. She is wearing a hand-made shawl in the color of the ocean.

About Kariba

Words from the Artist

Growing up, I always observed nature and quietly interacted. When given a pencil, crayon, or any art supplies, I was very happy to sit and create. I remember practicing shapes, shadows, and feeling great joy when finishing a project.

Through the years, art has been a respite, a quiet place that I can escape to. But, when socializing, I enjoy going to appreciate art and listen to live music. I enjoy all forms of creation and have a hard time pinning myself down to one craft. I like the concept of a renaissance person who masters many skills over time through learning and improving.

I like mixing palette colors directly on my canvas. When the colors on the canvas are becoming more that their individual colors, they do not disappear into another color, they stand out and accentuate the other colors at the same time. I like to compare this with people. We can be that to each other. We are not so separate in our uniqueness.

Art, music, and stories bring people together. Cultures mix, smiles are shared, synchronicities occur and friends are made. Join me on this journey as we build knowledge, experience and friendships through shared creative experiences.

  • Framed image of a sunset over the Pacific Ocean in Ventura with orange glow from the sun reflecting in the shallow waters.

    Ventura Sunset (Photography)

  • Oil painting of sun setting in ocean with cool deep water color and vibrant orange flames from the sun center

    Blazing Sun Over Cool Water

  • View of ocean watercolor painting from the botanical garden with palm fronds in the foreground, layers of hillside with vegetation and the horizon view of the ocean nested in the valley.

    Botanical Garden Bliss

  • White moon peeking through silver clouds with textured black surrounding.

    Full Moon Over Somis

A New Chapter in Massage Therapy

In September 2025, I finally decided to make a jump and start taking courses in Massage and Somatic Therapies. Complemented by my degree in Biology and studies in Genetics, the journey has been extremely rewarding. Being trained to provide nurturing relief to others through pressure and touch has brought me a joy that I had not expected.

The Kali Institute of Massage and Somatic Therapies has amazing teachers that have been practicing for many years and provide practical guidance on maintaining professional standards and techniques.

In February 2027, I should have my certification to begin professionally offering these services. I envision combining my art and wellness practices into packages that can be purchased individually or in a group setting for a girls retreat or a team building activity.

Studio, Teaching, Learning

Oil paintings, acrylic paintings, pastel drawings, pencil drawings, crochet textiles, sculpting, mixed media, sewing, photography, singing, song writing, stories and more.

Renaissance de la renaissance.

Biography

1981 - 1988 - LEARNING - Private lessons with Giesla Dawley learning pastels and oil painting techniques

1986 - DISPLAY - Blue Ribbon award at Ventura County Fair

1986 - 1990 - LEARNING - High School Classes learning drawing, photography, printmaking, silk-screening techniques

1988 - Summer - LEARNING - Pasadena Art Center - Graphic Design Course

1989 - Summer - LEARNING - College Stained Glass Courses

1990 - 1994 - LEARNING Explorations in stained glass, acrylic paint, copper work, oil painting, and textiles

1997 - 2000 - SERVICE - Business Graphic Design and Marketing

1999 - 2004 - TEACHING - Preschool Co-Op Participant & Educator

2002 - 2003 - TEACHING - Child Development & Art Classes

2001 - 2003 - DISPLAY - Camarillo Art Walk Participant

2003 - 2005 - TEACHING - Private lessons

2003 - 2007 - TEACHING - Camarillo Parks and Recreation

2008 - 2014 - SERVICE - Freelance small business marketing

2008 - 2009 - LEARNING - Painting a day challenge (oil painting)

2011 - 2013 - SERVICE - Ecommerce Platform support

2012 - 2014 - SERVICE - Writing graduate curriculum on Web Design & Development

2014 - 2018 - SERVICE - Web Design & Development private corporation

2018 - DISPLAY - Ventura County Fair - Professional Arts

2018 - 2019 - DISPLAY - Chocolate and Art - Los Angeles

2018 - 2026 - SERVICE - Digital Experience Manager for large corporation

2023 - 2024 - SERVICE - Organize plein-air outings

2024 - DEC. - DISPLAY - ‘Here and Now’ show at Pacific + Main

2024 - 2025 - DISPLAY - Studio 3 in mid-town Ventura

2025 - LEARNING - Art by Adonna “Flowers & Hearts” workshop

2025 - LEARNING - Lesson by Jem Atwater “Seascapes” workshop

2024 - ONGOING - TEACHING - Semi-private lessons in-studio

2026 - ONGOING - DISPLAY - New Free Form Life Studio @ 3400 Loma Vista Dr. Ste. 14

June/July 2026 - DISPLAY - Photography at Buenaventura Art Association @ Ventura Harbor

July 2026 - ONGOING - SERVICE - Board Member - Head of Marketing for Buenaventura Art Association

July/Aug 2026 - DISPLAY - Pro Arts Building @ Ventura County Fairgrounds

August 2026 - DISPLAY - New Beginnings at Buenaventura Art Association @ Ventura Harbor