“Cubism is like standing at a certain point on a mountain and looking around. If you go higher, things will look different; if you go lower, again they will look different. It is a point of view.”  —- Jacques Lipchitz

Carla’s creations feature cubism, which is developed in the aftermath of Pablo Picasso’s 1907 Les Demoiselles.  Cubism features art with dynamic arranges of shapes, figures, and texture. Cubist artists explore geometric possibilities of objects and space to create art beyond 3 dimensions.

The scientific discussion on the four-dimensional world that we live in can be mind-boggling — We can see and hold on to three dimensional subjects defined by the energy formula of time and space, but it doesn’t mean other dimensions do not exist, and they can be curled up so small that we don’t experience or see them. Quantum Theory defines reality by probabilities instead of binary.

Cubism artwork reminds me of how art can create realities across many dimensions and vectors. Carla’s ability to crash many dimensions and subjects into a single piece of art drew me to conduct the following interview with her:

 

1. What was the first piece of art you created and what was the inspiration behind it?

Glimpse Of Light
The first piece of art I created was called ‘Glimpse of Light’ which is featured on the Art and Me site. I created this many years ago, the piece was created using oil paints at the time when I was deciding which path to take in my much younger years. The lighter shades represent the idea of seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as I reflected on my choices. At the time I had discovered Cubism and had fallen in love with abstract art and George Braque.

 

2. What was your latest work? And what was the inspiration behind it?

My latest piece of work is a series of 3 oil paintings: Faulty Wiring, Maintenance in Progress and Extended Maintenance to be Monitored. I will be taking part within an exhibition which looks at Mental Health and I produced these pieces to depict the beginning, middle and continuation of my journey and the emotions and thought processes I worked through and am continuing to work through.

 

3. What is your favorite piece of art? 

There are many pieces of art that were produced by Braque and Picasso during the creation of Cubism. My favorite piece of work is my oil painting titled ‘New Beginnings’.

Main
New Beginnings

 

4. What are your biggest achievements so far? Both private and professional ones.

Regarding my biggest achievements, professionally it would be the opportunity I have been given within my Primary School to teach all ages P.S.H.E (Personal Social Health Education) as well as being able to support children with social and emotional issues. Personally, it would be the feeling of pride as I watch the progress and the achievements that my four children continue to make within their lives.

 

5. What is the advice that you would like to give to the other artists?

My advice to other artists would continue to be true to your own style and sense of self-expression. It is important to be true to yourself and to be able to express yourself in whichever medium or style you feel represents you. We all know that we are sometimes not happy with the work we produce and can be our own worse critics but each piece created is created to take us to the next piece and pathway within our creative journey.

 

6. Who are your inspirational artists?

I find inspiration from many artists especially those whose work resonates a message or a story within their piece especially those featured on the website Perspective Project; a collection of work from various artists who battle with mental health issues. I feel that Banksy is very influential with his messages about society and world issues but also as said Braque and Picasso were the artists I first came across in my younger years and were the main inspiration.

 

7. What do you think are the biggest challenges artists are facing currently? And why?

Identity

The biggest challenges I believe artists face currently are finding ways in which to have their work accepted and their art to be taken seriously as at times we can be insecure regarding the work we produce; being our own worse critics. Obviously, there is the challenge of having the time when trying to uphold a career as well as providing financially for themselves or for families but one has to try to remain focused on allowing themselves time as art is essential for ones well being and self-expression. For me, art really has become my therapy.

“The biggest challenges I believe artists face currently are finding ways in which to have their work accepted and their art to be taken seriously as at times we can be insecure regarding the work we produce; being our own worse critics. ”  —- Carla Cannon

Check out more about Carla’s art at:
Carla Cannon
@CJWiththeFlow
https://artandme.space/artist/cjwiththeflow/