Meet Carolina Rojas | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Rojas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Cariku Art Lab is more than just a pottery studio; it’s a creative hub that fosters connection, healing, and self-expression through the transformative power of clay. Located in Black Mountain, NC, our studio is a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and experience the grounding rhythm of working with their hands.

Locally, Cariku Art Lab strengthens the community by:

Offering accessible classes in hand-building, wheel-throwing, and sculpture to locals, visitors, and underserved populations.

Providing a supportive environment where creativity flourishes reduces stress and promotes mental well-being.

Hosting community events, open studio hours, and collaborative projects that bring people together through art.

Creating opportunities for local artists and instructors to teach, share their work, and connect with the public.

Rebuilding and staying active after Hurricane Helene, demonstrating resilience and commitment to local cultural and economic life.

Globally, Cariku Art Lab contributes by:

Embracing sustainable and mindful art practices that encourage a more profound respect for nature and our shared resources.

Sharing knowledge, techniques, and stories through digital platforms, inspiring a broader creative community.

Fostering cultural exchange and artistic collaboration across borders, emphasizing the universal language of art.

Through clay, Cariku Art Lab helps people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and engage with others, one handmade piece at a time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets my work apart is the way it blends strength and vulnerability. My pieces often explore the tension between fragility and resilience, structure and spontaneity, reflecting not only the material itself but also the human experience. I don’t see art as separate from life. I see it as a mirror, a tool for connection, and a gift to share.
Getting to where I am today was not easy. As an immigrant, there are challenges beyond the studio, language, financial limitations, lack of network, and cultural differences. But I always believed that I could build something meaningful in this new country with hard work, generosity, and a positive spirit. I approached every difficulty not as an obstacle, but as an invitation to grow.
Opening Cariku Art Lab was a dream that took years to shape. It wasn’t just about having a space to make art—it was about creating a place where others could also explore, heal, and create. I’m most proud of the fact that the studio isn’t just mine, it belongs to the community. Through classes, open studios, and collaborative events, I get to give back every day.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to do it all alone. There is so much strength in asking for help, in showing up with sincerity, and in trusting the process, even when the path is unclear.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my story, it’s that art can build bridges. It can turn a stranger into a friend, a lump of clay into a legacy, and an outsider into a part of something greater. That’s what Cariku is all about, a place where creativity, community, and courage come together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Charm, Clay & Community
Morning: Start with coffee and pastries at Dripolator Coffeehouse, then stroll through Downtown Black Mountain exploring local shops, galleries, and bookstores.
Midday: Join a hands-on class at Cariku Art Lab (of course!)—make something beautiful and taste the creative spirit that lives here.
Lunch: Head to Louise’s Kitchen for a cozy, homestyle meal.
Afternoon: Walk around Lake Tomahawk, or relax in one of downtown’s many rocking chairs with ice cream from The Hop.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and craft cocktails at Goldfinch, then catch live music at White Horse Black Mountain.

Day 2: Nature & Nourishment
Morning: Hike the Lookout Trail in Montreat for breathtaking mountain views.
Lunch: Refuel at Blue Ridge Biscuit Company—don’t skip the biscuits!
Afternoon: Tour and sip at Oak & Grist Distilling or sample ciders at Black Mountain Cider + Mead.
Evening: Wrap up your visit with dinner and brews at Pisgah Brewing Company, where you might even catch an outdoor concert!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible Black Mountain community. This town has embraced me with open arms and an open heart from the beginning. The support I’ve received from fellow artists, small business owners, students, neighbors, and even curious visitors walking into the studio has driven Cariku Art Lab’s growth and resilience.
I’m especially grateful for those who showed up after Hurricane Helene, when our studio faced unexpected damage and uncertainty. Their encouragement, kindness, and willingness to help reminded me that community isn’t just a word; it’s a living, breathing force that carries us through the most challenging moments.
To the people of Black Mountain: thank you for believing in creativity, clay, and the magic of making things together. My success is deeply intertwined with your spirit, and I am endlessly thankful.

Website: https://www.cariku.com

Instagram: @cariku.art.lab