“I am a clay artist.”

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Carla Ruka is a distinguished clay artist renowned for her distinctive coiling technique, which is deeply immersed in a Māori worldview. Her practice is profoundly inspired by Hineukurangi, the Māori deity of clay, the natural environment (te taiao), and her Māori and European whakapapa (genealogy).

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Carla maintains a diverse creative portfolio, leveraging her art to champion Māori ceramics while actively dedicating herself to community development and support. Her comprehensive work includes an online store, student mentorship, teaching, kapa haka facilitation, exhibition curation, sculpture and installation creation, project management, and community engagement. Furthermore, she holds the position of Pou Ārahi (Principal Cultural Advisor) for Te Tuhi Art Gallery.

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Deeply connected to her communities, Carla is a dedicated member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku - Māori Clay Artist Collective and serves as a leader for Hineukurangi, a collective composed for the support and nurture of established and emerging Māori Ceramic Artists.

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📸 Tatiana Harper: Carla and Māori angels series - Ko au, from NUku exhibition

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