Art has been my refuge, my voice, and my bridge to belonging. As a child, I moved from country to country, always feeling like a square peg in a round hole. That sense of displacement shaped me into a quiet observer, a dreamer, and, ultimately, an artist.
My journey to America began in 1985 when I was a teenager, and fitting in was hard. If not for a few great friends and my artistic escape, I’m not sure how I would have navigated those early years. I found solace in creating powerful, vibrant women—capturing their complex essence and protecting what’s hidden behind their eyes or smiles. Today, my work continues to reflect that vision: striking portraits of strong, thoughtful women alongside abstract pieces that explore the hidden struggles of identity and belonging. The complexity of empowerment is often entangled with inhibiting emotions—being enough, fitting in, battling imposter syndrome.
These emotions emerge in my abstracts, where intricate layers of mediums and textures intertwine with floral patterns or radiant gold elements, portraying the highs and lows of emotional struggle while still shining outwardly. Threads of hope and strength appear in touches of warm, vibrant colors, drawing the eye toward a place of comfort and beauty.
I chose to name my company DollyRose—a name that carries deep meaning. It is a tribute to the women who shaped me: my grandmothers, Dolly and Rose, both pillars of resilience and grace. My signature, CE (Carla Elizabeth), honors my mother as well—a reflection of the lineage of strength I carry forward.
Through my art, I hope you feel seen, empowered, and inspired. Whether you discover a piece of yourself in my work or glimpse a vision of who you aspire to be, my wish is that my art speaks to you—just as it has always spoken to me. ~
about me
My name is Carla Wade.
