Carla Raads is an abstract seascape and landscape artist who channels the power and intensity of nature and emotion through her artwork. Having grown up along the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa, Carla's childhood was immersed in the captivating beauty of the beach and the untamed forces of the ocean. This deep connection with nature serves as the foundation for her evocative paintings.
Carla's artistic journey began with formal training in fine art, which she further expanded by studying design and photography. Drawing inspiration from her coastal upbringing and the awe-inspiring power of nature, Carla's work transcends traditional boundaries and invites viewers on a deeply personal and emotive journey.
Carla utilises her hands as a direct medium to translate her innermost feelings onto the surface of the canvas. With each stroke, she imparts her body's weight and kinetic energy to capture the essence of crashing waves and dynamic skies. This approach enables her works to possess a sense of immediacy and authenticity, reflecting the ever-changing mood and emotional depth she experiences while creating.While mainly working with oil paint, Carla also incorporates other materials such as rag, brushwork, and spray paints into her compositions. This exploration adds texture, depth, and an immersive sensory experience to her artwork, vividly bringing forth the tang of saltwater and the radiance of the sun. Carla's captivating works have been exhibited in galleries and art shows internationally, captivating art enthusiasts and collectors alike.