Carla Bucknell, Flying with Grace, 2023, Encaustic Mixed Media, 13 x 13 x 2 in

Carla Bucknell graduated with honors from the University of Washington with a degree in Clothing Design, Textiles, and Art. She built a long career in the sportswear fashion industry, holding major design positions at Britannia Sportswear, Demetre Sweaters, and Roffe Skiwear, as well as working in design and color consulting with other Northwest-based sportswear companies. This career involved extensive travel throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. During this time, she also pursued art and music privately for personal fulfillment.

After leaving the fashion industry, Bucknell began an independent study of visual art, dedicating significant time to exploring techniques and forms of artistic expression. Photography became an important part of this practice, and she has developed an extensive library of wildlife and nature images. She is particularly drawn to birds of the Pacific Northwest, with a special fascination for crows.

Her current work focuses on encaustic mixed media, using traditional wax layering techniques with historical roots. She often begins with a painted foundation on a wood panel, building images through multiple layers of encaustic wax. Forms are sculpted and developed using various tools, with colored wax applied using a heated brush to create depth and texture. Through this process, she has developed a distinctive approach that differs from many traditional encaustic practices.

The inspiration for her work is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest-its mountains, oceans, islands, and wildlife. Her long-standing relationship with the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) in La Conner, Washington, where she has helped curate exhibitions, remains an ongoing source of inspiration. Her work has been featured and sold at the MoNA annual art auction since 2018. She continues to be influenced by both historical and contemporary artists of the region.