We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karla Carranza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karla below.

Hi Karla, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I think this is an excellent topic for creative entrepreneurs. What creative doesn’t take a risk while embarking on a profession that doesn’t always provide the financial returns necessary to be a full time artist? Personally, for many years I could not be a full time artist and worked a corporate job by day. I worked as a Sales Executive in technology, then publishing while living in Boston and New York City. It provided stable salary, commissions, and health benefits. On paper it looked alright, and I actually loved working but often times I felt I was living the wrong life. I would come home and be someone different, someone with hidden tattoos (this was back when tattoos were not really acceptable in a corporate environment) residing in a loft full of art, fashion and music. At my core, it was a dual life.

So why continue to travel the path of a creative entrepreneur and live in financial uncertainty? Deep within myself the curiosity of what will come next is greater than the fear of uncertainty- the uncertainty that art will no longer provide or not provide enough. Interest in the journey continues to be the result. In the process, the gift of letting go reminds me that the present moment will bring answers as needed. Security lies within the ability to, in the moment, understand that the idea of risk is just that – an idea – an idea that things may not be the way you want them to be in the future. Anything can happen in the future, and I can make adjustments as needed. With that mindset, the concept of risk is less daunting.

As a result of taking the risk, I am fortunate to sell my art and work on meaningful projects. I’ve made charitable contributions and am part of a remarkable community. I am forever grateful for this experience, both within myself and in the outside world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a multidisciplinary mixed media contemporary artist born in Mexico; living and working in Los Angeles. I’m a self-taught painter, with degrees in Fashion Design and International Relations. In my work, I depict both abstract and figurative subjects on canvas and textiles. By using layers, textures, and markmaking (symbolic and otherwise), I conceptualize themes and energy relevant to society and culture.

My work is really a dialogue on spirituality, resilience, and texture. I’m mostly inspired by rawness, honesty, exposure, vulnerability, perseverance, and creative expression. I use mixed media to create work that embraces textured layers and reveals the time invested. Each painting is a journey. I have to pause and let the layers dry. I build them up intentionally, exploring decisions as I go forward. My hands communicate with each layer, working through the decision to use a palette, a brush, a pastel, when and what medium best suits the layer and space and so on. All said and done, I want the work to bring impactful, harmoniuos and evocative energy to a room.

Currently I’m working on a body of work that interprets an understated mix of wabi-sabi concepts with mark-making and modest color details. Pulling back on my use of color, the end result is gently rugged and poetic, beautifully balancing restraint with movement. While the process and materials remain the same, the energy shifts.

In regard to my textile art and designs…My textiles are artisanal textiles and I create them with my hands in a somewhat laborious process. It involves laying out the merino wool, silk and other materials and fusing them through water and friction caused by rolling and throwing the materials. I like my work to be experimental and have the rawness that inspires me – I sometimes fuse metal clasps or long hand made chords into the textiles.

Most of my work is made as a “one of a kind” garment. When I design kimono wraps I will include free motion stitching and make each piece special. I love working creatively, sometimes taking breaks to get on my dj equipment or just stare at the layers that emerge on the canvas or on the form – wondering what surprise or perfect mistake will surface to lead me into the next decision.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve heard it said that understanding why you want something, or why you do something is critical to motivation and direction in your work. My work is an extension of curiosity, a communion with my spiritual nature and really a story being told to me. Not doing it would be like reading an excellent book and losing it without knowing how it ends. My “why” is that I love seeing what comes out of my creative energy and how it serves others.

My experience aside, my work is not intended to live with me forever. It is meant to live on its own in the company of others. I sense that its goal is separate from me and is birthed by the observer rather than the artist. If it is inspiring, energizing, calming, soothing, motivating or even when rejected it serves a purpose for the observer.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love listening to audio books. I easily listen to 8 books a year and podcasts every other day. In addition to this I hired a coach, Jamie Hess, who really helped me to start thinking of my art as a business. It is critical to have a mindset that supports the heavy challenges that come with being a creative entrepreneur. I listened to The Creative Act by Rick Rubin which talks directly about the creative act and the energetic underpinnnings that move it. Personally for me its been necessary to listen to spiritual podcasts such as the Michael Singer podcasts especially when presented with challenges because he really helps me to appreciate the moment and unravel the delusion of a problem.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karlacarranxza.com
• Instagram: karlacarranza_artstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karla.carranza0914
• Linkedin: Karla Carranza