Karin Rodney-Haapala

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Biography

Karin J. Rodney-Haapala is a visual artist, art educator, classical musician and student of life. In 2007, she received her B.A. from the University of Alaska Anchorage, in History with a minor in Strategic Communications. During her studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage, she focused on art of Western European countries like Germany during World War II. In 2013, Karin received B.F.A. in Photography from the Corcoran College of Art and Design In 2010, Karin was accepted in the Bachelors in Fine Arts Photojournalism program and the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, she is completing her last year in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at the Corcoran College of Art and Design.

As a Combat Veteran of the United States Air Force, Karin pursued photography seriously while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq. She documented her stay and those who worked with her while engaging and interacting with the Iraqi people. In addition, she spearheaded the Phoenix Base photography contest in Iraq. This morale and wellness program allowed an art-based outlet for service members to cope with their environment creatively. After dedicating nine years as a Civil Engineering Construction Inspector, she was honorably discharged in 2007 at Elmendorf AFB, AK.

As a visual artist and storyteller, Karin explores themes of memory and identity. Using written narrative and the image as a premise of narrative inquiry and transformative learning, Karin focuses on the construction and the deconstruction of the collective and individual memory and identity thus giving a very personal perspective of the world around her. Moreover, Karin incorporates the color and music theory of Wasily Kandinsky and integrates it into her color works.

Ms. Rodney- Haapala has a vested interest in the arts, traveling and education. She resides in Silver Spring, MD with her three beautiful and creative children.