Karla Nolan

Born in 1955 to her Aleut father and Celtic mother, Karla was raised in the Suquamish Territory of Washington state.  Her paternal grandmother influenced her appreciation of the arts, heritage and hard work.  Karla had a thirst for knowledge of her people very early on and taught herself to sew and bead by the age of six and remembers seeing a picture of an Alutiiq woman in beautiful regalia and was determined to bring back that art of the beaded headdress and was sure that one day she would make one of those herself.

With those influences, and after a successful 45 year career practicing the art of hair coloring and styling, she retired to devote herself fulltime to the art of beading.  Today she is doing just that and her process begins with  a deep respect for the materials she uses, which include natural fibers, ethically sourced leather and high quality beads, shells and more.  Drawing on traditional motifs, she also incorporates contemporary elements and personal touches to make each piece authentic and moving with the times.   “I find art very rewarding and spiritual.  It also keeps me in touch with my ancestors and their customs.  Each piece I make has a story, a deep meaning, not just a design.  It tells the life of others or something I feel.  I love to watch people try the headdresses on as they’re amazed at the balance and harmony, especially when they find their own.  This makes it enjoyable to me.”

Karla’s works are displayed at the Kodiak Museum in Alaska, as well as galleries in Seattle and powwows around the Northwest.