We’re looking forward to introducing you to Karla Deal. Check out our conversation below.
Karla , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a self taught copper artist and work specifically with copper patina’s. I have lived in Nashville since 1980 and owned a printing consulting business for 23 years. I have been winding that business down over the last several years as I move into a semi-retirement phase. I really don’t see me ever completely retiring, per se. Way too many things yet to create.
I have worked/experimented with copper patinas for about 10 years. It was something I did as a creative outlet while still working full-time. Now I am semi-retired and copper is my primary focus. I really love working on custom projects from clients as it’s always an opportunity for me to think outside of my box. My clients always have really creative visions.
My copper art is a Wabi-Sabi style pf art which is a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. It celebrates the authentic, modest, and asymmetrical qualities of things that are worn, imperfect, or incomplete, rather than striving for polished perfection. The aesthetic often features natural materials, earthy tones, rough textures, and designs that evoke a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and the profound beauty of time’s passage.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I really never thought of my copper as Art, per se. I had such a limited definition of art. Since I didn’t paint or draw, I felt as if I didn’t qualify as an artist even tho my pieces were selling in Art Galleries. I actually felt like an imposter and wasn’t sure my work belonged there.
Then a local Interior Designer, Howard Wiggins, saw some of my work at The Copper Fox in Leipers Fork. He bought some pieces and has commissioned me to do several pieces as well. I love working with Howard and he started sending me information to enter my work into numerous art competitions. After that, I was finally was able to accept myself as an artist since he saw me as one. Ive really learned a lot about art from him. He has an amazing collection and so grateful to have some pieces as a part of his collection.
He has also helped me to learn more about textures and layers which has expanded the look of my copper work. He is such a gifted Interior Designer and I value his opinion so much.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me and still teaches me to switch my perspective from……
“Why is this happening to me to, what is this trying to teach me”.
There are many more life lessons in suffering than in success.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My pups, sunsets, my copper and advocating for the underdog. Oh and the mountains which I am working towards relocating back up there when the universe lets me know the time is right.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am in and around Nature! It soothes me, grounds me and I am able to connect to Spirit in the quiet. And nature has so much to teach us, when we are open to listening.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.copperismycanvas.com
- Instagram: copperismycanvas
- Facebook: Copper Is My Canvas
Image Credits
The image with the large tribal statues is credited to Howard Wiggins,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
