KAYLA Clarke was schooled from home through distance education from Year 6, where her learning focused on core subjects due to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a language disorder.
Art wasn’t part of the curriculum until midway through Year 10, when she was finally offered an online art class – a moment that changed everything.
Her talent was immediately recognised, earning an Award of Excellence for her major charcoal drawing.
Determined to continue, Kayla moved to a different distance education school for senior so she could continue with her art studies.
Her skills grew rapidly, and she soon developed her own distinctive style.
Charcoal became her first love; she feels confident and at home in this medium, exploring deep tones, strong contrasts, and textured details with ease.
In Year 11 Kayla discovered textiles, a slow and meditative practice she enjoys despite its time consuming nature.
She began creating textile mosaics from small pieces of fabric, forming bold, colourful images. Her most recent textile work features hundreds of embroidered French knots stitched by hand.
By Year 12 Kayla had developed her mixed media “yarn” technique, a style she continues to refine today.
Since finishing school in 2025, Kayla has thrown herself into the Ipswich art community, entering exhibitions, volunteering, and building her practice with enthusiasm.
She has already achieved notable success and has been met with over-whelming support from local artists and audiences.
With works on display and for sale at Creative Hearts Co Brookwater, Booval Fair Arts Connect Community Gallery and most recently Kayla has just installed an exhibition of her works in the Indooroopilly Brisbane City Council Library, on show throughout September and October.
To follow Kayla’s art journey, please find her via Facebook and Instagram @kaylaClarke.art.
