Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Henríquez.
Hi Carla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Chilean abstract fiber artist based in Moore SC for the past 8 years.
I begun my artistic journey back in Santiago, Chile in 2016 when I took a class on “weaving” and from that point on I fell in love with it.
I met my husband in Chile, we were working for the same company he is American and the company transferred him back to the USA so we have been living here since 2016.
We moved to Moore SC in 2019 so this is home now.
I needed it to reinvented myself because I didn’t feel like going back to the corporate world so I decided to give my artwork a chance in a foreign country.
My work is heavily influenced by nature landscape the oceans and the mountains.
I like to capture the beauty of colors and textures in my weavings by using different types of yarn. I love working with different objects that were forgotten and giving them a new life by transforming them into a new piece of art.
What I think is beautiful about abstract art is that one single piece can have so many different interpretations and it can make people have different types of emotions. I believe that art can touch people’s hearts.
I find great fulfillment in delivering work that brings about emotions of happiness and excitement to those who own and view my art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been an easy road for me trying to reinvent myself as an artist in a new country with a different culture.
Leaving your home country it’s never an easy choice, you leave your family your friends and your whole life completely behind you to start a new chapter in your life. That takes courage, patience and determination to start over. But I managed to navigate through the process and now I’m very grateful for having great friends and people that has helped me and supported me in my artistic journey.
At first I was feeling apprehensive about showing my artwork to other people but now I’m glad I did because the response has been very positive.
I have been asked to participate in group Artists Exhibitions locally and I have been invited to show my work at local art galleries as well throughout the past 5 years.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an abstract fiber artist.
I work with different types of yarn.
The technique I use is called “weaving “ so I weave the yarn with my hands directly into the frame I’m using at the moment. I don’t use a loom.
I am known for working with a variety of different types of yarns and colors, sometimes very bright colors.
And I’m also known for using recycled frames for my artwork like old picture frames and trellis for plants or simply frames that I have found in thrift stores to give them a completely new look.
I’m very proud of being able to bring some of my Chilean culture to this part of the country and I’m also proud to have clients who appreciate my vision and what I want to transmit through my pieces.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My artwork is inspired by nature landscapes, the mountains, the Oceans and also by emotions and feelings.
I can also feel inspired by looking at piece of fabric, tile, any shapes and shades too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @carlahenriquezart https://www.instagram.com/carlahenriquezart
