Interview: CARLA FLETCHER

When did you first pick up a pencil?

I can't remember but have been using them a lot recently 

For the pieces in your upcoming show "Premonition", you mention using animals and nature as symbols that reflect our humanity.  Can you elaborate
on some of the references?

There are specific traits within other species that can symbolise our own. Courage of a lion or loyalty of a dog -

certain life changes and forces happen to us all. I have used images such as birds to represent determination and dreaming, lizards as our fight or flight instincts and skulls for transformation in our selves.

What else influences your work?

Different music, different people and different techniques

You've used customised circular wood pieces for this exhibition, what was your reasoning behind the choice of medium?

Nick Blackmore is a furniture designer and one of the funniest men I have met and he framed my last show in Melbourne.  Nick has some circular wooden pieces kicking around his studio that he had done for another artist and I could not get them out of my head.

I still can't get them out of my head, they are amazing.


Are there other mediums you're itching to explore?

Sculpture and paste ups

Describe an average day for Carla Fletcher?

Coffee. a shite load of drawing then dinner ; )

If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be?

Tasmania. I'm heading there in a couple of weeks for the first time, can't wait.

Any advice to aspiring artists out there?

There are no rules, even the ones you make for yourself can and must be broken at times.