Who… an Argentinian that has called Canada home since 1989.
She consider herself to be a blend of architectural design with a passion for Art.
What… Along the way, she participated in archaeological research, which has allowed to express herself through the creative process in textile and ceramics, the two most traditional art mediums in Latin America. She has exhibited her work throughout North and South America, Japan and Europe in juried and curated exhibitions.
Another aspect of her work is the educational component, from the technical to the conceptual. She has taught for many years at art centres and art galleries, always interested in sharing the knowledge with the next generation, helping to open minds and think outside the box.
Where… Carolina has been working in architectural ceramics in her Ashpa Naira Studio on the west side of Okanagan Lake since 1993, creating original and innovative design in clay for the living environment. Indeed the name Ashpa Naira is taken from the indigenous quechua language of the Incas and means “fired earth”, which is exactly the process that transforms raw clay into ceramics.
You may wonder what is architectural art?… It is when purity of artistic design fuses with integrity of function. Carolina’s philosophy is based in the belief and the passion of ART in a living space, enabling to make a personal statement. She has been working with architects and designers to create one of the kind tile installations since 1995.
Why does Carolina care about architectural art and art in general… because it feels right, she has a passion for what she does. She believes that art is the food for the soul, and has the ability to bring people together to share new experiences. As Carolina says: “The energy within the space gets manifested in my own well being and helps to acquire spiritual and emotional growth and be better off for it”.
Even when she was setting up art exhibitions in her home country to showcase not only her work, but the work of other artists as well. Early on she understood that the art world has two chapters: the art creation and the art dealing.
Once she came to Canada, she pursued for the right opportunity to continue on this path. After having Ashpa Naira Studio for many years, where she created architectural ceramic and textiles, the decision was made to open Ashpa Naira Gallery as a home gallery in July 2006. The combination of the architectural space in where she lives with her family, it has help to create a living space in where all that flow of energy fosters an environment that is conducive to continuous creativity in different aspects of life.
Through her own work and dealing the artwork of other artists, over the years Carolina have met several artisans working with different material in architectural art and the idea came to her, why not to promote all these artists/artisans together. And now all that artistic energy is under one roof as a gallery named ARTE funktional. Carolina has owned and operated commercial galleries in the Okanagan Valley since 2004.
The essence of her Studio and Gallery is Art and Function in an Architectural context, representing her work as well as emerging and established Okanagan and Canadian artists.
Carolina believes strongly in the interaction of artistic expression within a community, where the beauty and creativity can be shared with all.