Living in the heart of Suffolk’s countryside near the coast, Carla Elizabeth draws constant inspiration from expansive skies, shifting light, tidal estuaries and the wildlife that inhabits them. Birds have become a central thread in her recent work – from the flash of a kingfisher to the quiet presence of a robin – each chosen not only for their beauty but for the stories they quietly carry.
Working in acrylic, pastel and mixed media, Carla layers paint, collage and stitched elements to create textured, atmospheric pieces that explore movement, resilience and the restorative power of nature. Her work is rooted in Suffolk’s landscape but often holds a deeper narrative – moments of endurance, hope and renewal found in the natural world.
Carla’s creative journey began as soon as she could hold a crayon and continued through her studies in Art History and Studio Art at Anglia Ruskin University. After graduating, she built a successful career in graphic design, refining her eye for composition and detail. In 2022 she returned wholeheartedly to painting, rediscovering the tactile, expressive freedom that had always grounded her.
Alongside her own practice, Carla runs small, welcoming art workshops from her Suffolk studio, encouraging beginners and experienced creatives alike to experiment, loosen up and reconnect with their own creativity in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Carla will once again be exhibiting at Snape Quay Gallery over the August Bank Holiday, sharing her latest Suffolk-inspired works with visitors to the coast.
Pet portrait commissions also welcome by request.
