Artist Statement

Christopher Karg

My journey back into art was not discovered in a studio, but in a rehabilitation hospital. During a 118-day hospitalization from a traumatic brain injury in 1991, I found myself clinging to one of the few clear memories I had—my high school art class. That memory became a lifeline.

Before I was discharged, I was given the chance to reconnect with clay—no longer just a material, but a reflection of my inner world, a test of my will, and a steady companion in my healing. When I returned home, my parents revived a small studio space in their basement. That space, made of concrete and quiet, became my sanctuary.

Working with clay became my self-imposed art therapy. The process cleared the fog of head injury and gave shape to my healing. In the tension between control and surrender, I found a language that spoke louder than words. Clay taught me patience, presence, and acceptance—of its limitations, and of my own.

Each piece I create is a reflection of that journey. My work is not just about form or function—it’s about resilience, memory, and the quiet power of rebuilding. Through clay, I continue to explore the space between fragility and strength, chaos and calm, loss and rediscovery.

​​Zach's College GoFundMe page