About the Artist

The artwork you see on this site is created by Karla Vandenbogaardt. She has been creating this type of work since 1990. Although she is not a Native American, she is very drawn to the beautiful culture and traditions that the culture values and holds. She strongly feels she was a Native American in one of her past lives and feels a strong connection to the culture. Karla started her interest in Native American Art when she took a College course in Ethnic Art Studies. Her final assignment was to make an art project about something that was studied during the course. She chose to make a Dreamcatcher and received an A+ for her assignment. Karla enjoyed making her first Dreamcatcher so much that soon enough all her friends and family members received one for their birthdays! She then began to sell them in a small boutique in San Jose, California.

As you can see, Karla enjoys to incorporate Quartz Crystals in her work. She has a strong passion for Quartz Crystals and is an avid rock and crystal collector. She has been on many mining trips in California, Arkansas, and Arizona, and even had the rare and privileged opportunity to go inside the Himialya Mine in California. Most of the quartz crystals Karla uses in her art work come from her mining venture at Coleman Mine in Jessieville, Arkansas.

Karla continues to be a creative and artistic by involving herself with art projects, making something new, and coming up with inventive ideas. For the past few years, Karla and her sister (artist of Appaloosa Pots) regularly participate as vendors in local Art and Wine Festivals and other Art Shows. Karla was a 2nd place winner of People's Choice award; Art in the Park, Fremont, August 12, 2006. Please see the show information page for upcoming show dates.