In Conversation With Carla Uriarte

IN CONVERSATION WITH CARLA URIARTE

Carla Uriarte approaches life and art with a fearless spirit, embracing intuition and spontaneity at every turn. Painting, for her, is less about perfection and more about movement—a joyful release of energy that mirrors her love for the ocean and community. Her creative rituals are simple yet meaningful: incense, tea, a clean space, and music that sets the tone for each new piece.

Whether reflecting on her years in Madrid or savouring Sydney’s sunlit coastlines, Carla’s journey is shaped by a deep connection to place and people. Café Freda’s, co-created with her husband, embodies this ethos — a space for creativity, unity, and celebration. As we delve into her world, we uncover how Carla’s art, personal style, and daily rhythms converge into a vibrant narrative of self-expression and creativity.

Your artwork often explores vibrant inner worlds—what inner experiences most frequently shape your creative process?

I like the sentence ‘FEARLESS STATE OF BEING’ because that is what it means to be an artist. You must trust yourself and the process and have a connection to all that is inside of you. Often when I am painting, phrases such as these enter my vortex and need to be splattered out. It’s almost as if I am doing a song and dance with my ancestors or with me from all the dimensions that I exist in. So COOL.

What role does intuition play in your approach to colour and form, and how do you know when a piece feels complete?

My process is largely married to a freeness that I try to live by. Not too much overthinking or preparing but more so going with the flow and seeing where that energy can take me.

"I spent a lot of time living in Madrid...Being ½ Spanish myself I felt a oneness with the ethos of life there. Everything is so community based - people are always socialising & connecting. That sense of being part of the world is what I like my art to convey; a feeling that screams ‘hey you are not alone, I feel that too!'"

— CARLA URIARTE

Carla wears the Frida Scoop Neck Top 

Can you share a glimpse of your creative environment and any objects or rituals that are essential to your practice?

Here is my studio routine:

- Light incense
- Put on music
- Water plants if necessary
- Make sure space feels clean
- Hot tea

How has living in multiple cities influenced your perspective as an artist? Are there specific places that feel deeply woven into your creative identity?

I spent a lot of time living in Madrid, I moved there from San Francisco when I turned 18. Being ½ Spanish myself I felt a oneness with the ethos of life there. Everything is so community based - people are always socialising & connecting. That sense of being part of the world is what I like my art to convey; a feeling that screams ‘hey you are not alone, I feel that too!’

Collaboration and community seem integral to your journey. What do you seek in your creative connections with others?

Mainly a sense of unity, what is community without unity? I’m into anti-divisiveness. I want to unite. I feel like the world can feel so big and alienating, like if you don't think the way I do you're wrong. That philosophy is totally anti-humanity, I think it's dangerous. Now more than ever we need to be open, understanding, non judgemental and most importantly treat all with LOVE, KINDNESS - YOU ARE PEACE!

Carla wears the Julian Jacket, Kiki Blouse and the Lloyd Short

Has your understanding of self-expression evolved over time, and how do you continue to stay true to your authentic voice?

I like to write in my diary. I've done this since I learned to write. It's a compass into my soul and a tool used to connect with my higher self. This practice keeps me in the loop with who I am, it allows me to be one with the real me.

Your personal style feels effortlessly unique—how would you describe your approach to fashion and self-expression through clothing?

I am really into comfort and feeling, not overthinking or second guessing but going for whatever screams ‘WEAR ME GURL!’. Now that I am a mother and in my 30s I have definitely leaned into trying to be a bit more put together. I try to stay away from looking like a slob. I suppose my ideology is ‘ how can I feel as comfortable as a slob whilst looking like a dignified lady?’.

Music often shapes an artist’s atmosphere. What sounds are currently inspiring you, and do you have any go-to playlists for creating?

I have been working on a beach playlist. You can hear that here.

Living in Sydney, what places feel like creative sanctuaries for you? Are there hidden spots where you find yourself most inspired?

My most beloved spot is in North Bondi swimming off the boats into the deep sea with goggles on. I like to see the fish. Other than that I like to hit the sauna at Icebergs. Cafe Freda’s of course but that's everything but a secret.

Carla wears the Morgan Mini Dress

"The beach is my main source of energy here. I like to swim. creating a space with my husband like Cafe Freda’s has really given me purpose. It is a place where all is welcome. Easy drinking and eating. Hosting community based events. Working with artists and creatives. It really is a dream and a love letter to Sydney. "

— CARLA URIARTE

In what ways does the energy of Sydney weave into your art and daily rhythm?

The beach is my main source of energy here. I like to swim. Creating a space with my husband like Cafe Freda’s has really given me purpose. It is a place where all is welcome. Easy drinking and eating. Hosting community based events. Working with artists and creatives. It really is a dream and a love letter to Sydney.

Carla Uriarte @cacarrracha
www.carlauriarte.com
Photography Kitty Callaghan

IN CONVERSATION WITH CARLA URIARTE

Carla Uriarte approaches life and art with a fearless spirit, embracing intuition and spontaneity at every turn. Painting, for her, is less about perfection and more about movement—a joyful release of energy that mirrors her love for the ocean and community. Her creative rituals are simple yet meaningful: incense, tea, a clean space, and music that sets the tone for each new piece.

Whether reflecting on her years in Madrid or savouring Sydney’s sunlit coastlines, Carla’s journey is shaped by a deep connection to place and people. Café Freda’s, co-created with her husband, embodies this ethos — a space for creativity, unity, and celebration. As we delve into her world, we uncover how Carla’s art, personal style, and daily rhythms converge into a vibrant narrative of self-expression and creativity.

Your artwork often explores vibrant inner worlds—what inner experiences most frequently shape your creative process?

I like the sentence ‘FEARLESS STATE OF BEING’ because that is what it means to be an artist. You must trust yourself and the process and have a connection to all that is inside of you. Often when I am painting, phrases such as these enter my vortex and need to be splattered out. It’s almost as if I am doing a song and dance with my ancestors or with me from all the dimensions that I exist in. So COOL.

What role does intuition play in your approach to colour and form, and how do you know when a piece feels complete?

My process is largely married to a freeness that I try to live by. Not too much overthinking or preparing but more so going with the flow and seeing where that energy can take me.

"I spent a lot of time living in Madrid...Being ½ Spanish myself I felt a oneness with the ethos of life there. Everything is so community based - people are always socialising & connecting. That sense of being part of the world is what I like my art to convey; a feeling that screams ‘hey you are not alone, I feel that too!'"

— CARLA URIARTE

Carla wears the Frida Scoop Neck Top 

Can you share a glimpse of your creative environment and any objects or rituals that are essential to your practice?

Here is my studio routine:

- Light incense
- Put on music
- Water plants if necessary
- Make sure space feels clean
- Hot tea

How has living in multiple cities influenced your perspective as an artist? Are there specific places that feel deeply woven into your creative identity?

I spent a lot of time living in Madrid, I moved there from San Francisco when I turned 18. Being ½ Spanish myself I felt a oneness with the ethos of life there. Everything is so community based - people are always socialising & connecting. That sense of being part of the world is what I like my art to convey; a feeling that screams ‘hey you are not alone, I feel that too!’

Collaboration and community seem integral to your journey. What do you seek in your creative connections with others?

Mainly a sense of unity, what is community without unity? I’m into anti-divisiveness. I want to unite. I feel like the world can feel so big and alienating, like if you don't think the way I do you're wrong. That philosophy is totally anti-humanity, I think it's dangerous. Now more than ever we need to be open, understanding, non judgemental and most importantly treat all with LOVE, KINDNESS - YOU ARE PEACE!

Carla wears the Julian Jacket, Kiki Blouse and the Lloyd Short

Has your understanding of self-expression evolved over time, and how do you continue to stay true to your authentic voice?

I like to write in my diary. I've done this since I learned to write. It's a compass into my soul and a tool used to connect with my higher self. This practice keeps me in the loop with who I am, it allows me to be one with the real me.

Your personal style feels effortlessly unique—how would you describe your approach to fashion and self-expression through clothing?

I am really into comfort and feeling, not overthinking or second guessing but going for whatever screams ‘WEAR ME GURL!’. Now that I am a mother and in my 30s I have definitely leaned into trying to be a bit more put together. I try to stay away from looking like a slob. I suppose my ideology is ‘ how can I feel as comfortable as a slob whilst looking like a dignified lady?’.

Music often shapes an artist’s atmosphere. What sounds are currently inspiring you, and do you have any go-to playlists for creating?

I have been working on a beach playlist. You can hear that here.

Living in Sydney, what places feel like creative sanctuaries for you? Are there hidden spots where you find yourself most inspired?

My most beloved spot is in North Bondi swimming off the boats into the deep sea with goggles on. I like to see the fish. Other than that I like to hit the sauna at Icebergs. Cafe Freda’s of course but that's everything but a secret.

"The beach is my main source of energy here. I like to swim. creating a space with my husband like Cafe Freda’s has really given me purpose. It is a place where all is welcome. Easy drinking and eating. Hosting community based events. Working with artists and creatives. It really is a dream and a love letter to Sydney. "

— CARLA URIARTE

In what ways does the energy of Sydney weave into your art and daily rhythm?

The beach is my main source of energy here. I like to swim. Creating a space with my husband like Cafe Freda’s has really given me purpose. It is a place where all is welcome. Easy drinking and eating. Hosting community based events. Working with artists and creatives. It really is a dream and a love letter to Sydney.

Carla Uriarte @cacarrracha
www.carlauriarte.com
Photography Kitty Callaghan

IN CONVERSATION WITH CARLA URIARTE

Carla Uriarte approaches life and art with a fearless spirit, embracing intuition and spontaneity at every turn. Painting, for her, is less about perfection and more about movement—a joyful release of energy that mirrors her love for the ocean and community. Her creative rituals are simple yet meaningful: incense, tea, a clean space, and music that sets the tone for each new piece.

Whether reflecting on her years in Madrid or savouring Sydney’s sunlit coastlines, Carla’s journey is shaped by a deep connection to place and people. Café Freda’s, co-created with her husband, embodies this ethos — a space for creativity, unity, and celebration. As we delve into her world, we uncover how Carla’s art, personal style, and daily rhythms converge into a vibrant narrative of self-expression and creativity.

Your artwork often explores vibrant inner worlds—what inner experiences most frequently shape your creative process?

I like the sentence ‘FEARLESS STATE OF BEING’ because that is what it means to be an artist. You must trust yourself and the process and have a connection to all that is inside of you. Often when I am painting, phrases such as these enter my vortex and need to be splattered out. It’s almost as if I am doing a song and dance with my ancestors or with me from all the dimensions that I exist in. So COOL.

What role does intuition play in your approach to colour and form, and how do you know when a piece feels complete?

My process is largely married to a freeness that I try to live by. Not too much overthinking or preparing but more so going with the flow and seeing where that energy can take me.

"I spent a lot of time living in Madrid...Being ½ Spanish myself I felt a oneness with the ethos of life there. Everything is so community based - people are always socialising & connecting. That sense of being part of the world is what I like my art to convey; a feeling that screams ‘hey you are not alone, I feel that too!'"

— CARLA URIARTE

Carla wears the Frida Scoop Neck Top 

Can you share a glimpse of your creative environment and any objects or rituals that are essential to your practice?

Here is my studio routine:

- Light incense
- Put on music
- Water plants if necessary
- Make sure space feels clean
- Hot tea

How has living in multiple cities influenced your perspective as an artist? Are there specific places that feel deeply woven into your creative identity?

I spent a lot of time living in Madrid, I moved there from San Francisco when I turned 18. Being ½ Spanish myself I felt a oneness with the ethos of life there. Everything is so community based - people are always socialising & connecting. That sense of being part of the world is what I like my art to convey; a feeling that screams ‘hey you are not alone, I feel that too!’

Collaboration and community seem integral to your journey. What do you seek in your creative connections with others?

Mainly a sense of unity, what is community without unity? I’m into anti-divisiveness. I want to unite. I feel like the world can feel so big and alienating, like if you don't think the way I do you're wrong. That philosophy is totally anti-humanity, I think it's dangerous. Now more than ever we need to be open, understanding, non judgemental and most importantly treat all with LOVE, KINDNESS - YOU ARE PEACE!

Carla wears the Julian Jacket, Kiki Blouse and the Lloyd Short

Has your understanding of self-expression evolved over time, and how do you continue to stay true to your authentic voice?

I like to write in my diary. I've done this since I learned to write. It's a compass into my soul and a tool used to connect with my higher self. This practice keeps me in the loop with who I am, it allows me to be one with the real me.

Your personal style feels effortlessly unique—how would you describe your approach to fashion and self-expression through clothing?

I am really into comfort and feeling, not overthinking or second guessing but going for whatever screams ‘WEAR ME GURL!’. Now that I am a mother and in my 30s I have definitely leaned into trying to be a bit more put together. I try to stay away from looking like a slob. I suppose my ideology is ‘ how can I feel as comfortable as a slob whilst looking like a dignified lady?’.

Music often shapes an artist’s atmosphere. What sounds are currently inspiring you, and do you have any go-to playlists for creating?

I have been working on a beach playlist. You can hear that here.

Living in Sydney, what places feel like creative sanctuaries for you? Are there hidden spots where you find yourself most inspired?

My most beloved spot is in North Bondi swimming off the boats into the deep sea with goggles on. I like to see the fish. Other than that I like to hit the sauna at Icebergs. Cafe Freda’s of course but that's everything but a secret.

"The beach is my main source of energy here. I like to swim. creating a space with my husband like Cafe Freda’s has really given me purpose. It is a place where all is welcome. Easy drinking and eating. Hosting community based events. Working with artists and creatives. It really is a dream and a love letter to Sydney. "

— CARLA URIARTE

In what ways does the energy of Sydney weave into your art and daily rhythm?

The beach is my main source of energy here. I like to swim. Creating a space with my husband like Cafe Freda’s has really given me purpose. It is a place where all is welcome. Easy drinking and eating. Hosting community based events. Working with artists and creatives. It really is a dream and a love letter to Sydney.

Carla Uriarte @cacarrracha
www.carlauriarte.com
Photography Kitty Callaghan