Carla Tucker - Creativity Takes Courage

Carla Tucker

Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Mediums: Recently, I have mostly been working on encaustic and digital art, but I also love acrylic paint, graphite and pastel.

Style: Abstract / Impressionism

Favorite Quotes: "Why does the eye see a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination when awake?" Leonardo da Vinci
“What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?” Michelangelo

Favorite Books: The Secret – Rhonda Byrne. The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle.

Favorite Movies: Reality Bites, all Quentin Tarantino films.

Vivid Dreams Carla Tucker
Vivid Dreams - Painting/Digital Art

I have always been a creative person. It was through my studies (two years in Fashion Design and one year in Fine Arts) where I developed a passion for studying the human form, which is my main subject. I love the raw beauty of the human body and the challenge of creating motion, life and proportions. I also love abstract art (my pieces usually feature some human characteristics) that allows viewers to identify with each piece, making the experience and connection more personal.

Please tell us about your first experience creating.

As a child, I loved colouring books and cut out fashion dolls which I started making myself. I started sketching and designing clothes at a very young age.

What music do you like to have playing while creating art?

It has to be either Radiohead or Arcade Fire playing in my studio.

If you have a job besides an artist, can you tell us about it?

I work as a Surface Land Consultant for an Oil & Gas Company. I started consulting so that I can eventually work less and focus on my art.

Invert Carla Tucker

Invert - Painting/Digital Art

What are you trying to convey to viewers through your art?

All forms of art have the ability to evoke emotion in people whether they realize it or not and I like to be a part of that.

Tell us about your creative, process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its competition:

This is difficult to answer. I usually have 3-4 different pieces on the go, so it really comes down to how I’m feeling that day and what’s inspiring me… A subject, an experience, a medium, and/or a technique.

What things inspire you to create art?

Life in general is pretty inspiring, but traveling always seems to motivate me to create. Some of my best pieces were from my travels. It’s impossible to not be inspired while experiencing different ways of life and breaking away from the daily routine at home.

What exhibitions have you had?

As an emerging artist, I have not had an exhibition yet. It is definitely one of my goals.

Have you sold any of your artworks?

I have only done work for family and friends.

How do you promote your art on the Internet?

Facebook, Twitter & my website.

Tell us about influences.

I am a huge fan of Salvador Dali. I’ve been to his gallery in his hometown of Figueres, in Catalonia, Spain. His artwork is just so interesting and I can only imagine how interesting he was as an artist in his day! I’m also a huge fan of Judy Chicago and what she’s done for women in the arts.

Whisper Carla Tucker

Whisper - PanPastel on Canvas

Please recommend another artist you admire.

I’ve recently become a huge fan of Justin Jenkins. A surrealist artist I found on Twitter! He works with acrylic paint and coloured pencil. His work is just amazing and so inspiring!

Tell us something interesting in your life.

I have a Fashion Design Diploma and I am one course away from a Certificate in Graphic Design, which I will receive in April 2014.
I also love to travel. I’ve been all over Canada, United States, Mexico, Western Europe, Morocco, & Central America.

Do you have an embarrassing moment in your life?

Just one?? I’m really good at embarrassing myself especially since I’m not very coordinated.

If you could live your life over again, would there be anything you would do differently?

I would have started promoting my art a lot sooner in life. I am a terrible marketer, especially with my own artwork. It’s hard to put yourself out there. It can be intimidating to start, but over time you realize that following your passions in life is worth the risk. Receiving positive feedback is encouraging and motivating!

What plans do you have for the future of your art?

Carla Tucker I am currently working on a 20 piece contemporary art series on feminism. It’s a subject I feel very passionate about and I hope to contribute to the matter in a positive way with my art.

Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?

Being an emerging artist myself, one lesson I’ve learnt recently is art is not just about the end result. It’s a journey, so enjoy the process. Another lesson is to not over think it. When a child draws a picture, they don’t think about it. They just draw. Over time, we lose that ability and we focus on perfection. It not only takes away the fun in creating art, it can obstruct it.