Representing Aotearoa for Indigenous ceramics Carla is a formidable artist in her field. As an active member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku - Māori Clay Artist Collective and committee member of Auckland Studio Potters, Carla has been practicing the arts since 2000, completing her studies in Māori Art and Design with a focus on ceramics from a Māori and Wahine Toa perspective.
Drawing inspiration from her Māori and European background she is inspired by her ancestral heritage and facilitates kapahaka local primary schools. (Māori Performing Arts).
“My work is a reflection of my spirit, I can see a piece I made 10 years ago and still remember exactly how I felt when I made it”
With a genuine love for hand building Carla has developed her own version of the coiling technique. She is known for the series of works "Hineukurangi" and “Māori Angels Series”, tall, flowing female forms with trailing windblown hair with a cultural essence. Often her works are created in a music filled space while she dances around pulling form from coils. Carla has a private studio based in Auckland where she is developing a new series of works.
Carla is also a passionate community builder, using the arts as a way to facilitate connection and change. This conversation reminded me of the power a person can have when doing something they love, are aligned with and have a deep connection with their work. Creating intergenerational and community work through her facilitation, Carla is creating ripples through supporting others to create and learn alongside her.