Multidisciplinary Atlanta artist Carla Contreras highlights place, time and human condition

Atlanta-based Ecuadorian multidisciplinary artist and educator Carla Contreras is pictured with her pieces Stationary Transitions (left) and Mujer (right). (Courtesy of Carla Contreras)

On the “City Lights” series “Speaking of Art,” local artists share insights into their influences, processes and experiences in town. This edition features Atlanta-based Ecuadorian multidisciplinary artist and educator Carla Contreras.

Contreras has been based in Atlanta since 2016 when she came for grad school at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Her practice encompasses painting, installation, sculpture and murals dealing with place and the human condition.

Contreras got started in art after being influenced by her father, who is an architect who always wanted to be an artist. She grew up watching him draw, paint and build things, and after her mother saw her interest in visual expression, she encouraged her to start developing skills by signing her up for art classes and contests. Contreras has stayed on the path of art ever since. And her path eventually led her to Atlanta.

“Atlanta has been my home away from home since 2016 when I moved from Ecuador to pursue my master’s degree in fine arts,” says Contreras. “Since then, this city has been my source of inspiration, has given me so many opportunities to do what I love, to connect with the local art community and the beautiful responsibility to shape the minds of new generations.”

You can find artist Carla Contreras on Instagram here.