[7] Carnwath has a distinctive and recognizable style which combines diaristic and personal elements with universal or existential themes.
Her paintings "combine text and images on abstract fields of color to express sociopolitical and spiritual concerns.
Early 1980s artworks included interior scenes, stylized figures, and everyday objects like cups and vases, with titles often painted into wide borders.
National Academicians are nominated and selected by over 430 living members, and the honor recognizes each artist's contributions to American culture.
But rather than ascribe a defined set of meanings, Carnwath leaves room for the viewer to interpret the paintings and prints in their own way.
[23][24] Reflecting on the painting What White Is,[25] Tsujimoto writes "Carnwath has produced a visual analogy of humankind's attempt to impose structure and order on unruly meaning.
"[20] As a continuation of her list-making practice, Carnwath produced a series of paintings containing song titles set in blocks of color starting around 2014.
[24] In an Art in America review, critic Tatiana Istomina stated "the found poetry of individual song titles accumulates to powerful effect.
During this time, the art department faculty included Wayne Thiebaud, Mike Henderson, Manuel Neri, Roland Petersen, and Lynn Hershman Leeson, among others.
It features more than 80 color reproductions and essays by Tsujimoto and art critic and poet John Yau (co-published by Pomegranate, 2009).
[65] Located in Oakland's Jack London district, the project aims to celebrate and promote a diverse range of local artists and their work.