For artist Carla Gignilliat, creativity has never been something she stumbled upon. It has always been a part of her. From making mud sculptures as a toddler to experimenting with batik and pottery in high school, Carla’s path as an artist has felt both natural and inevitable. Encouraged early by her mother, Gail Riggins, who is also an artist, Carla grew up with the freedom to “color outside the lines.” Later, under the guidance of her high school art teacher, Mrs. McClanahan, she discovered new mediums and showcased her work for the very first time in an exhibit, a moment that helped solidify her love of creating.
Today, Carla’s studio practice is rooted in community and peace. She works out of Urban Art Collective (UAC) in Chamblee, GA, where more than 30 artists share space and inspiration. Most days, you’ll find her in the studio from late morning to late afternoon, music or an audiobook playing as she paints across two easels and a canvas wall. Often juggling multiple works in progress, Carla thrives in the rhythm of creativity. “My studio is a place of community and peace,” she says. “I absolutely love going to work every single chance I get.”
Her process usually begins with a clear idea. She often references photographs, many taken during her travels or time outdoors, but gradually lets intuition take over. The result is a style that balances precision with feeling. Using acrylic paints, charcoal, collage, and even gold leaf, Carla creates paintings that radiate calm and mystery. Softness is a hallmark of her work, a reflection of the peace she finds in the act of painting.
Nature, unsurprisingly, is a recurring theme. Carla spends much of her time in the North Carolina mountains or near water, whether fishing, hiking, or exploring waterfalls. These experiences directly influence her art. After a family trip to Alaska, for instance, she returned home with countless bear photographs that became references for her wildlife paintings. A journey to Glacier National Park inspired her to embed collaged maps and papers into her landscapes, layering personal memory into her work. For Carla, art is not just about what she sees, it is also about what she feels in those moments outdoors.
“When people experience my work, I hope they feel emotion,” she explains. “Whether it’s joy, peace, or nostalgia, I want them to know my artwork is genuine and original.” That sense of authenticity is what keeps collectors returning to her work. For Carla, success is not about fame, it is about connection. She takes pride in knowing her art lives in the homes of people who treasure it and in hearing from admirers who share how her paintings move them.
Recently, Carla completed an artist residency at Château Orquevaux in France, where she fell in love with painting on linen canvas, something she’s eager to continue exploring. This fall, she’s preparing for several exhibitions, including the Holiday Art Walk at Urban Art Collective on December 6 and 7. She’ll also take part in Juelerye’s Classic Christmas event in Mooresville on December 12, where she hopes to debut a collection of hand-painted ornaments.
Looking back, Carla says she would reassure her younger self that being a successful artist is possible. “Follow your dreams and make a living doing it if you’re passionate and work consistently. Don’t compare yourself to others, be true to yourself. Your people will find you.”
It’s advice she now shares with emerging artists: consistency matters. Even a few hours of dedicated work each week can build skill and confidence. Just as importantly, she encourages artists to share their creations with the world. “You have to put your art out there for people to see it,” she says.
With her blend of intuition, nature-inspired vision, and authentic storytelling, Carla Gignilliat is not just making art. She’s building connections that stretch far beyond the canvas.
Explore her work at www.CarlaGignilliatArt.com or follow her on Instagram @carlagignilliatart.
