Karea Shay Richardson
I’m a photographer from White Oak, Texas. I graduated from White Oak High School in 2020 and I am currently enrolled in Texas Tech University, School of Art, and will graduate in December 2025.
I create art as a way to express myself when words fall short, and photography has become the central language through which I experiment, take risks, and deepen my connection to the world. My journey as an artist began with a simple desire to capture and preserve fleeting moments, but over time it has grown into a practice rooted in exploring memory, identity, and self-reflection. I am especially drawn to double exposure photography because it allows me to layer images, blending emotions, memories, and perspectives into something both deeply personal and universally resonant. For example, in one series I combined portraits of myself with myself, having the two ‘me’s’ embrace and caress each other, inspired by Kelli Connell’s ‘Double Life’. These layered images transformed myself into symbolic representations of how I feel about me, offering viewers space to interpret and find their own connections.
While photography is at the core of my practice, I also value the tactile experience of working with different materials—whether clay, cardboard, or paper—as each medium grounds me in the act of making. I strive to create work that feels both experimental and meaningful, balancing curiosity with intention. My ultimate goal is to grow as a photographer and artist while also building a stable life through creative work. Whether pursuing fine art, editorial, or collaborative projects, I want my practice to continue evolving in ways that challenge me technically and conceptually. Above all, my art represents how I see and feel, while also creating a space where others can pause, reflect, and feel seen.