For this episode of our subcultalks series, we’re excited to feature Carla Costa, a renowned ceramic artist in Faro, Algarve, Portugal.
Carla creates unique, nature-inspired ceramics and offers hands-on Portuguese Tile Painting Workshops at her studio. Perfect for travelers, art enthusiasts, and creative groups, these workshops can be booked in advance with at least 4 days’ notice, giving you the chance to experience traditional Portuguese art and ceramics in the heart of the Algarve.
What type of art do you create?
I am a ceramist who creates unique, original art pieces.
My creative inspiration comes from nature, and I interpret natural beings through their colors and textures. I embrace the philosophy of wabi-sabi, appreciating simplicity, imperfection, and authenticity in my work.
My creative inspiration comes from nature, and I interpret natural beings through their colors and textures. I embrace the philosophy of wabi-sabi, appreciating simplicity, imperfection, and authenticity in my work.
I believe creativity is possible at any stage of life and enjoy continuously exploring new ideas. Besides creating ceramics, I offer hands-on workshops in my studio where people can create their own ceramic pieces or paint traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos), which are perfect for travelers or groups seeking a creative experience.
How did you find your way to your art?
Shortly before the pandemic, I quit my job for health reasons. I took a ceramics course to keep myself busy for a few months. Then the pandemic hit, and I stayed home like everyone else. I ordered clay and applied what I had learned. Since I didn’t have a kiln, I fired the pieces at the studio of a ceramicist friend. By the end of the pandemic, I had many interesting pieces. My family, children, and husband encouraged me to experiment for at least a year to see what would happen (if the clay would stick to the wall).
I continued working from home in the office I converted into a studio.
I bought a kiln and placed it on my balcony. After two years, I felt that my pieces and style were being accepted. I created my brand, Barro a Parede (= "throw clay against the wall"). In the third year, I realized I needed a space, so together with two colleagues who make jewelry, we opened a studio called 900ºatelier situeted in Faro, Rua da Alameda.
I continued working from home in the office I converted into a studio.
I bought a kiln and placed it on my balcony. After two years, I felt that my pieces and style were being accepted. I created my brand, Barro a Parede (= "throw clay against the wall"). In the third year, I realized I needed a space, so together with two colleagues who make jewelry, we opened a studio called 900ºatelier situeted in Faro, Rua da Alameda.
What is the reason you continue to practice your art?
I love what I do. I dream at night about pieces I want to make; each piece is a dream come true. I feel fulfilled with ceramics.
What has been your most special moment throughout your journey as an artist?
The moment I was invited by the University of Algarve to teach an introductory ceramics course was very special. Although it was a short course, it meant a lot to me. I also feel special whenever I see people smile while looking at my pieces, and I see in their eyes that they understand my art. However, it is important to have people who buy my pieces; otherwise, I can’t be self-sustainable.
When do you feel most productive?
I feel productive when I’m relaxed; I can’t work under stress or in a hurry. I am also most productive when I have a new idea for a piece and put into practice something I’ve never tried before, such as new techniques. I enjoy improvising, too.
What or who inspires you?
My inspiration mainly comes from nature. Animals, plants, whether from the sea or the land:
Reptiles, fish, flowers, beetles, and even human beings - all inspire me. For me, every being has its own beauty, whether through shape, skin texture, or color.
I interpret all these details in my creations.
Reptiles, fish, flowers, beetles, and even human beings - all inspire me. For me, every being has its own beauty, whether through shape, skin texture, or color.
I interpret all these details in my creations.
In which "small" things do you find the most joy?
I find joy when I start a piece with an idea of what I want to create, but as my hands work, something completely different from what I envisioned begins to emerge. I let it happen without correcting it. Something entirely new comes out, and I find myself smiling as if my hands were independent of my mind.
Do you have a vision or goal you are working towards?
My goal is for my pieces to be a reflection of myself, to make a place for myself in the art world, and above all to be able to make a living from art - to be profitable and have people buy my pieces.
What does a well-lived life mean to you?
A life well-lived is what I will reflect upon in 30 years. I discovered ceramics only four years ago when I was 51, and I consider it a reward for what I experienced previously in the working world. I had a very stressful career for many years. Ceramics is good for the mind; it makes me happy, and I want to continue like this.
What do you do when you feel "stuck"?
For creatives, feeling stuck is difficult because we need to produce, but nothing comes out of our hands; ideas get blocked and everything seems to go wrong. When this happens, it requires calm; the best thing is to stop and not force it. When I feel stuck, I leave the studio and take a break for a day or two until my ideas start flowing again. I take it as a signal that it’s time to rest; you need to know when to stop and rest your mind.
What is true freedom for you?
For me, freedom in the world of art means making pieces exactly as my mind envisions them, without having to justify why I chose a certain color or shape, or why a naked and voluminous body emerged from my hands and mind, or why my chameleon has a huge smile. I don’t have to provide explanations because, in my mind, that’s what art is: freedom of expression.
What is your favorite feeling?
The highlight of my day is opening the kiln. When it comes to glazed pieces, I anxiously await the right temperature to open it. I am always met with surprises, most often pleasant, though sometimes less so. During glaze firing, many fusions of fumes and materials occur, resulting in effects completely different from what I expected, and I embrace this unpredictability with joy.
What feeling do you like the least?
The worst feeling is when I accidentally break a piece. Whether it’s a favorite or not, it feels like wasted work. Sometimes I try to restore it, but it’s never the same piece. Another piece is born; I reinvent it, but the feeling of loss remains.
What are you most afraid of?
My fear is losing creativity for some reason or losing the joy of creating.
What is your favorite movie?
Forrest Gump. The movie addresses themes such as resilience, unconditional love, and appreciating the little things. The main lesson is in Forrest’s mother’s phrase:
"Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get", which reflects themes of acceptance, hope, and overcoming challenges.
"Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get", which reflects themes of acceptance, hope, and overcoming challenges.
What book would you highly recommend (the first one that comes to mind)?
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I’m obsessed with the Cadbury chocolate bar with raisins and hazelnuts. :)
A big thank you to Carla for sharing her time, energy, and inspiring creative journey with us!
If you’d like to meet Carla, get hands-on, and explore your own creativity, you can book her Tile Painting Workshop at her studio in Faro, Algarve, here.
Until next time,
With love,
Katja
