|
Carla is the principal of Red
Frog Metal Design. A professional metalworker with
a background in blacksmithing, welding and metal
fabrication, her work is representative of contemporary
blacksmithing; her sculptural, utilitarian aesthetic
is visible in her functional forged objects, including
architectural work, furniture and books. Her work
has been commissioned by architects and interior
designers, and her sculptural works have been shown
in galleries throughout the United States.
Carla brings to her work a unique focus on education
and awareness around metalworking, promoting knowledge,
and new applications for contemporary blacksmithing.
She has taught metalworking workshops at the Evergreen
State College in Olympia Washington, and currently
teaches blacksmithing and welding at The Crucible
and the Mendocino Arts Center. Carla's engaging
and accessible teaching style is especially apparent
in her work with youth. She has taught workshops
for young women through Girls, Inc., and various
other youth arts classes at the Crucible.
Carla feels a strong tie to her heritage. She was
born in central North Carolina into a working class
family. Like many families in that area, her family
is from a line of cotton and tobacco farmers and
factory workers. This foundation has been a strong
influence in her creative expression.
Carla's diverse education includes study at Penland
Craft School, The Evergreen State College, where
she received a BA in metalwork, and apprenticeships.
Her greatest influences are from Japanese Folk Art
and Architecture and from the Arts and Crafts Era.
She currently runs Red Frog Metal Design and works
as a Youth Program Studio Manager at The Crucible.
|
