Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Kiriporouri

“Clay is my therapy”

Carla has been practising with clay since 2000 and draws inspiration from her Māori and European ancestral heritage.

She is best known for the ‘Hineukurangi’ and ‘Māori Angels’ body of work, which manifest atua wahine as tall, elegant and potent forms with trailing windblown hair. The lyrical nature of Carla’s work reflects her preference to create in music-filled spaces and pulling forms from coils while dancing around. 

“My work is a reflection of my spirit, I can see a piece I made 10 years ago and still remember exactly how I felt when I made it”

Carla is a member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku – Māori Clay Artist Collective and Auckland Studio Potters, Onehunga, Auckland. In 2022 Carla spent a year travelling, teaching her unique coiling technique and talking about her work as part of the Ceramics Association of New Zealand Touring Potter Programme.

Carla is also interested in creativity and cultural advocacy; her business, Carla Ruka Limited (est. 2019) facilitates projects promoting community building through art.

Recently Carla accepted the role as Pou Ārahi (Principal Cultural Advisor) for Te Tuhi Art Gallery in Pakuranga and also teaches kapahaka (Māori performing arts) at Wakaaranga Primary School in East Auckland.

https://www.carlaruka.com/artist-profile

Instagram: @carlaruka