Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla.
Hi Carla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Of course. I am originally from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I later earned a Master’s degree in Art Education from Texas Tech University.
I began my career teaching art in public schools and now work in higher education. I have always enjoyed both teaching and making artwork.
Since 2024, I have gradually become more involved in the San Antonio art community through exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and community-based projects. I am grateful for the direction my artistic journey has taken and excited to continue developing my work, building connections, and seeing where these opportunities lead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Growing up Mexican American and first-generation, I often navigated conflicting expectations about what success was supposed to look like. I was encouraged to pursue an education, but at the same time, there was also pressure to enter the workforce after high school and choose a more practical or secure path.
One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning how to navigate my identity within educational and professional spaces where I did not always see people with backgrounds like mine. Today, I still feel that I must negotiate with the expectations I grew up with, the expectations of the spaces I was entering, and my own desire to pursue a life as an artist and educator. Over time, those experiences have shaped not only how I understand myself, but also the kind of artist and educator I want to be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artistic practice combines oil portraiture, sewing, and textile processes, primarily using denim, to explore generational patterns, memories, and emotions as they are carried in the body. My papier-mâché masks approach the body in a different way, using the face and humor to explore emotion and identity. Red peppers also recur in my work as a symbol of anger and selfhood.
In my textile work, I am especially drawn to denim. Because it is something I wear every day, I treat denim as a representation of the body. Denim moves with the body, takes on its shape, and holds memory. I am also drawn to its versatility: I can paint on it, cut it, sew it, dye it, distress it, and reshape it.
What I am most proud of is that, through sharing my work, I have been able to find my people. Whenever I put myself and my work out into the world, I never know who might connect with it or reach out. Lately, life has been generous, and my work has opened doors to opportunities such as the Changarrito Residency with Mexic-Arte Museum and the Daphne Art Foundation residency, as well as exhibitions and grant support. More than the recognition itself, I am proud of the relationships and sense of community that have grown from sharing my work.
What sets me apart is the way I use familiar, everyday materials, such as denim and cardboard, to create work that explores the body, memory, and emotion. My background in art education also shapes the way I communicate about my work and helps me connect with people who may not come from an artistic background.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I feel as though I am taking risks all the time. I am naturally introverted, so for me, risk often means allowing myself and my work to be seen, evaluated, and possibly rejected. I continuously push myself outside of my comfort zone by applying to open calls, exhibitions, and residencies, even when I expect a rejection.
Taking those chances has led me to travel, build a stronger online presence, present my work to groups of strangers, and challenge myself creatively. The more I speak with people about my work, the more I begin to notice “blind spots” or areas I may not have considered on my own. Those conversations can be uncomfortable, but they often push the work in unexpected directions and make the artmaking process more exciting.
Pricing:
- For current availability and pricing, please contact me directly.
- Prints: starting at $20
- Commissions: available on a limited basis; pricing provided upon request.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/artist/carla-santillana/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilecanela/
