Karina Kristoffersen McKenzie: Dharma and Sustainability

Karina Kristoffersen McKenzie is a psychologist, art therapist, artist, and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism whose work merges these disciplines to explore compassion, sustainability, and interconnectedness. Her symbolic digital art begins with photography and evolves into layered compositions that reflect Buddhist philosophy, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the concept of Dharma. A pivotal moment occurred in spring 2006 when she met her Dharma guide, which transformed her artistic direction. One of her most significant works, 'Samsara,' originated from a photograph taken in Bodhgaya, India, during the Kalachakra initiation led by the Dalai Lama, depicting two young monks studying a Wheel of Life thangka. Her practice emphasizes sustainability as both psychological and ethical, questioning continuous economic growth and its impact on mental health, communities, and the planet. She aims to exhibit in settings aligned with Buddhist teachings, making her philosophical ideas accessible through visual experience rather than instruction.