May 28, 2018

Check out Carla Naden’s Artwork

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Naden.

Carla, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve always been told that I’m a free spirit which lends itself so perfectly to the world of art and of animals. Studying art in school fed my soul, but as I started in on my life’s path, it became all too obvious that caring for animals would also be my passion. The joy that I received from rescuing these sentient beings nourished me far beyond any paycheck ever could. I specialize in art gone wild, glitter, busted animals called love nuggets, and Aesthetic Screams-In-The-Night. I love traveling. Like my artwork, my history is just as varied, colorful, and completely unexpected. I started off with a Montessori-based education (in Baltimore, MD) and then morphed into a Friends (Quaker) high school. After that, it was a tour of Florida and Montana (art) colleges. I then did some traveling, lived in Seattle for a hot minute and currently reside in north San Diego county in a hobbit house.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art, like all art, is an interpretation of beauty and reality in the world around us. My art can be described using words like “colorful, abstract, avant garde” but to me they are a way of taking what we see and making the experience more vibrant, both on a visual level and on a visceral level. It’s meant to evoke some kind of a spark; with the hope that we can transform what’s beautiful (animals who are missing an eyeball or women with a gap between their teeth). All of life is here to make us feel inspired, we are here to feel beauty, and to create beauty in the caring and oneness of humankind and animal kind.

I am a strong proponent of animal and human rights and that often influences my life’s work & artwork. I use my artistic abilities to promote kindness and compassion toward animals (globally). I feel creativity must come out or it destroys you and that humans are not the only important beings. I have a strong love of collage, old animals, explosive paint devices, making a mess, experiencing different cultures, and spilled pigment / ink on rugs… And I love to laugh I dabble in the world of art under the alias Mulletpony & ManRabbit with Lee Selman. I am the Director of the non-profit, Animal Synergy. I believe by working together and through awareness & education we can create great change together. Synergy rescues geriatric, special needs and terminally ill animals who have run out of time at animal control. Their souls are restored for whatever time remains. Our goal is providing respect and dignity to all beings, no matter their age, appearance, or health status, & increase the save rate of all animals at shelters & in Society, promoting a lifesaving nation. Aka change society’s views – geriatric is magic & specialty needs busted nuggets are the new imperfectly perfect!!

Unicorns have always fascinated me because they are cute, imaginary, and illusive. They also have a point. I make an art mess everyday / Even if I Don’t initially feel like it I sit down and do it anyway and 20 minutes in – I’m really happy I did. put in the time, every day, even if you don’t feel like it, you’ll be happy you did in the end.

How can artists connect with other artists?
Reach out & don’t be shy.. this quote is pretty fantastic::

“Be around the light bringers, the magic makers, the world shifters, the game shakers. They challenge you, break you open, uplift and expand you. They don’t let you play small with your life. These heartbeats are your people. These people are your tribe.” –Unknown

Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later. Stop living the way you think you should and start feeling what you should do. thus, loneliness is not an issue: Discard all superficiality because it’s not the answer. There is no greater agony then bearing an untold story with in you. I want you to break your own fucking rules. (a lil Paraphrasing: sally mustang) & go to the sea (or a body of water/ or a stream… You get the idea) momma nature puts everything in perspective.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I will be Live painting with my main art squeeze, lee Selman: AKA ManRabbit At KAABOO music festival in san Diego this summer…

You can peruse artwork online – Facebook, instagram, or in person at Paleo Treats Headquarters in San Diego, Tijuana Animal Control in Mexico & Sparks gallery .. to name a few

You can Support art by enjoying it.. commissioning a piece. purchasing art that is already available for sale.. and sending happy thoughts of kindness and light and laughter. That’s always a great way to support artists in general..

Contact Info:

Website: www.animalsynergy.org/art
Email: carla@animalsynergy.org
Instagram: mulletpony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carla.naden
Other: www.manrabbit.com

Image Credit:
Ian Meyers took my portrait photo

Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.