Karen Yank – Clarity combines three of the most prominent images in Yank’s work: the circle, the line, and the cross. The shape of the piece, although not a complete circle, is still inspired by and representative of the infinite number of circular elements in nature, such as the dome of the sky, the sun, the moon, and the cycle of life. The lines, on the other hand, which pay homage to Yank’s late mentor Agnes Martin, portray the boundary between the earth and the sky. The two interconnected shapes are consistently seen interacting in Yank’s sculptures, representative of both the relationship between her and her teacher and the union between the earth and the sky. The final element in this piece, the cross, represents intersection, union, and the marking of a specific point in space or time. These three themes are inspired by their frequent appearances through history; the circle, the line, and the cross date back to the Stone Age and are as old as culture and civilization itself. Yank is often inspired by the picturesque landscapes of New Mexico, and describes her work as representing not only the nature itself, but rather the emotional impact that one feels when immersed in nature.
Yank primarily works in mixed metals to create her mesmerizing sculptures, citing their strength and durability. Many of Yank’s award-winning works are featured in museums and galleries throughout the United States. This, along with the large number of public works she has produced, primarily throughout the Southwest, undoubtedly makes her the most established sculptor in the state of New Mexico.