artist carla fletcher
Carla Fletcher is a rare breed of Australian artist - she has a patron. It's a sign of confidence in the emerging artist, whose portrait of CW Stoneking saw her become a finalist in the 2010 Archibald Prize. Carla is currently exhibiting in her hometown of Melbourne at Tinning St Gallery, and will show at Friends of Leon Gallery in Surry Hills later this year.
Which five words best describe you? A passionate intuitive, a dreamer, an optimist and perfectionist.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? This winding path started with study in fashion design, illustration and then fine art. Since study I have balanced retail, visual merchandising and design work with making sure I exhibited in both group and solo shows. There have been many amazing studio spaces in different parts of Melbourne where I have meet some of the most eccentric characters! In the past 12 months I have had an amazing arts patron back me (I didn't know they still existed either). This has allowed me to be in the studio full time - and what an incredible gift time is to an artist.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? That if you follow your heart the universe will catch you. (And don't drop laptops - the universe does not catch those.)
What’s your proudest career achievement? This latest body of work has been epic and I'm very proud of it. It includes my 2010 finalist Archibald Prize portrait of blues musician CW Stoneking and this year's portrait of actor Joel Edgerton. They are my largest works to date and have pushed my process and patience into new dimensions!
What’s been your best decision? To not give up.
Who inspires you? Those who are conscious of and respect our planet and all those creatives that are brave enough to keep putting yourself out there.
What are you passionate about? I am very passionate about the plight of our animals, they are as innocent and important as our children.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I'd love a conversation with John Lennon.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? That amazing white, lofty studio space that looks out to that inspirational country view with all that fresh air.
What are you reading? Encounters with Australian Artists by Janet Hawley - I found it at an op shop. It is an intimate insight into the lives of such incredible Australian artists such as Lloyd Rees, Brett Whiteley, Arthur Boyd, Margaret Olley and many more. I have found it very inspiring.
images courtesy of carla fletcher