From her childhood as a little girl in Florence, Italy, to her life as an artist in California, Clara Woods has come a long way! At only 18 years old, she is a painter and model, and her paintings are appreciated worldwide. However, nothing was simple: following a prenatal stroke that left her unable to read, write, or speak, the teenager had to double her efforts to make her creations and demands heard. Toombow Kids had the privilege of interviewing Clara and her mother, Betina, to learn more about her fairy-tale-worthy story.
During our interview, Clara’s ideas were flowing. With the help of her tablet, she responded quickly or used sign language with her mother, who translated for us. Very close, a simple look was enough for them to understand each other. A true child of the world by her origins – Brazilian on her mother’s side and Canadian and Dutch on her father’s side – it was a great artistic figure who inspired her taste for painting: Frida Kahlo. When she discovered her as a child, it was through a book given by her mother. Reading her story was a revelation: if the famous Mexican artist could make a living from her paintings, why couldn’t she? With the support of her parents, the determined young artist organized her first exhibition in 2018 in Florence, Italy, where she was born.
The connection with the public was immediate, who were receptive to Clara’s very colorful and expressive style. Since then, she hasn’t stopped! Despite her young age, she has already organized more than 30 exhibitions worldwide, including several prestigious collaborations, such as with Louis Vuitton in 2021, which showcased her creations at Art Basel in Miami. All these opportunities have only grown her passion for art and allowed her to meet more people, which she loves! Following her media exhibition, Clara obtained the holy grail for all creatives who dream of settling in the United States: her artist visa as an extraordinary talent. To optimize the effects of this rare and precious recognition, her parents decided to support her 100%. Her mother even sold her business to become her full-time manager, and in 2020, the family moved from Italy to California. The transition to the United States went smoothly, partly thanks to Clara’s already developed English language skills through her father, who has Canadian roots.
Clara’s paintings are very varied. She chooses colors and shapes very instinctively, listening to her feelings and artistic impulses of the moment. Her inspiration comes from documentaries, series, and especially significant events in her life. Among all her creations, her favorite is a colorful portrait of Frida Kahlo. Her works often convey messages about the importance of inclusion and diversity, themes that are particularly close to her heart. Having often felt exclusion and loneliness in her youth, she wants to raise awareness about these issues and encourage other people with disabilities not to let their disabilities define them. She emphasizes that many disabled people achieve incredible things and should not fear the judgment of others.
Outside of her artistic activities, Clara loves spending time with her guinea pig named “Chocolate,” being with her family, and traveling. Clara also encourages other children to believe in their dreams, no matter the difficulties they face. She recalls her spontaneous trip to New York at the age of 12 to do an exhibition, a decision that changed her life. A sentiment shared by her mother: “You shouldn’t focus on your disability; you should dream big. Many people thought we were crazy to embark on this adventure of selling Clara’s works, but it was worth believing in it.”
Currently, Clara is working on the illustrations for a book, participating in photo shoots with a photographer, and continuing to create new paintings. Her journey is a powerful testament to extraordinary talent, resilience, and the power of art to transcend barriers. There is no doubt that her story will continue to inspire countless people to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they encounter. For all the latest news on Clara’s daily life and creations, be sure to check out her Instagram account @woods_clara_. Feel free to leave a comment to let us know what you think of Clara’s works!
