My name is Kara Yoder and I’m a painter and illustrator living in Arkansas. I create under the name Kawa Yoda, a personal mantra that reminds me to trust my intuition and follow the natural & powerful flow of life — Kawa meaning River in Japanese, and Yoda, a cultural icon of Wisdom.

My work draws heavily from the spiritual and healing presence of the natural world. I paint as a way of honoring the quiet power of plants, animals, and forests — hoping to carry a sense of peace and connectedness into the spaces my art inhabits. I explore the juxtaposition of realism and symbolism, moving between muted, realistic images and richly colored, symbolic illustrations. This contrast invites viewers to experience both the tangible beauty of nature and its deeper, mysterious meanings.

My desire is to make art that reminds people they are not alone - and that love, wonder and mystery exist in the everyday.

When I’m not painting, you’ll find me walking in the woods, enjoying time with my boys (Lev & Tristan), writing poetry, and making cookies. I also really adore my cat, Merlin. Meow