Karen Jarvis - About

My background is eclectic, fueled by a passion for the arts and working with people. I have worked with older adults, children, and individuals from various backgrounds, in many roles including photographer, writer, storyteller, teacher and caregiver. Through my work, I have developed a deep appreciation for the richness of human experience.

Photography

My practice spans portraiture, street photography, and fine art. As a painter, I've always been fascinated by light and how it shapes mood—that interest carries directly into my photography. I'm drawn to unguarded moments, the small gestures that reveal something true. Whether photographing someone in their home or strangers on the street, I'm looking for authenticity over performance.

Writing

My background as a biographer and memoir mentor shapes the way I approach Photobook Memoirs. I have written three privately commissioned biographies and worked closely with individuals to shape lived experience into clear, engaging narrative. This work involved in-depth interviewing, careful listening, and a high degree of sensitivity and discretion.

Today, these skills inform how I gather stories and distil long conversations and memories into text that sits naturally alongside photographs — adding context, rhythm, and emotional depth without overwhelming the images.

Biographies:

To Cut A Long Story Short: The Life of Ian Devereux, Life Stories, 2017

Good Clean Fun, Life Stories, 2018

A Skylark Sings, Life Stories, 2019

Children's book:

Star Fairy’s Top Secret Guide to Fairyland,

Pan MacMillan, Australia, 2007

Painting & Drawing

I have been drawing, painting, and creating collages for thirty years. My figurative work is influenced by a wide range of artists, including Matisse, Diebenkorn, Euan Uglow, Borremans, Tyman, Kaye Donachie and Richard Lewer. Painting feeds my photographic work and vice versa, sharpening my sensitivity to colour, composition, and form.

Selected group shows include Northart 2019.

Finalist is the Parkin Drawing Prize

My Art Books

reFRAMED (Little Artbook Press, 2025) – A curated collection of photographs captured in New Zealand and abroad.
Lost and Found (Little Artbook Press, 2025) – A collection of 23 original oil paintings created in my Titirangi studio from 2023–2025.

I also provide one-on-one creative caregiving for seniors in Auckland, specialising in supporting those with dementia or neurological conditions. This work has deepened my understanding of memory, presence, and the importance of being truly attentive.

Performance & Theatre

I co-founded StarFish Magic, a children’s theatre company, where I wrote, performed and directed shows, and designed costumes and props for 14 years. We performing over 200 shows per year in New Zealand and Australia. Prior to this, I spent three years in The Aunties.