After working for 30 years as a hotel manager, Carla Costa made a life-changing decision. At the age of 50, during the uncertainty of the pandemic, she chose to completely reinvent herself. Leaving behind a stable and successful career in the hospitality industry, she enrolled in a ceramics course—taking her first steps into an entirely new world.

What began as a curiosity quickly became a passion. She started creating ceramic pieces at home in her peaceful Alentejo countryside house. As her collection grew, so did her confidence. Despite receiving numerous job offers to return to hotel management, Carla stayed committed to her new artistic path.

Eventually, her home was filled with her unique creations, and she realized it was time to share them with the world. She began showcasing her work under the name Barro à Parede at festivals and artisan markets. Every year, you can find her at FATACIL in Lagoa and at the International Crafts Fair in Lisbon (FIA), where her ceramic pieces draw the attention of art lovers and curious visitors alike.

Carla’s creative home is Atelier 900, located in downtown Faro, on Rua da Alameda. It’s here that she handcrafts most of her pieces, working alongside two fellow artists who specialize in handmade jewellry. Every piece Carla makes is shaped entirely by hand, with her main focus on decorative art made primarily from clay.

If you’re drawn to her work and would like something custom-made, you can reach out to her directly through Instagram Barroaparede to discuss the details.

Looking for an original souvenir from the Algarve?

Atelier 900 offers hands-on workshops where you can create something truly special. Choose between ceramic making or tile painting, and take home a piece of Portugal crafted by you.

In the Tile Painting Workshop, you’ll discover the art of traditional Portuguese azulejos, guided by Paula. Using classic techniques, you'll learn how to design patterns, mix colors, and apply glaze. By the end of the session, you'll leave with three hand-painted tiles of your own creation.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;

Workshops are intimate, hosting between 2 and 8 people at the atelier. They’re perfect for travelers, friends, or even as a team-building activity. For larger groups, sessions can be arranged at an external location.

Price is 45euros per person, group discounts are available. All materials are included and Carla even offers a little refreshment and a cake to keep you energized.

Where nature inspires

Her home in the Alentejo countryside, nestled in a quiet and remote area, is where she retreats almost every weekend to recharge creatively. Nature, various animal species, trees, plants, and sea life are her greatest sources of inspiration.

Carla is a creative soul with her own unique approach to life. She believes you don’t need to be an artist to be creative. Although she began her artistic journey later in life, she has considered herself creative all along—whether through her imagination, her dreams, or the challenges she faced in both her personal life and previous career. No matter the situation, she always tries to find creative solutions.

A ceramic fish was her very first creation which she remembers perfectly. She continues to make them today, and they’ve even become one of her bestsellers. Still, what she enjoys most is exploring new ideas and constantly creating something fresh and different.

The Beauty of Imperfection: Carla’s Creative Philosophy

Carla is not only incredibly kind and friendly, but she’s also fluent in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English. She is also an avid reader, and it was through her love of books that she discovered wabi-sabi—a Japanese philosophy that encourages us to slow down, appreciate simplicity and imperfection, and find beauty in the fleeting nature of life.

“This philosophy resonates deeply with the creative process and artistic journey, “ Carla explains.

Wabi-sabi embraces simplicity, humility, and authenticity. At its core, it recognizes that nothing in life is ever truly complete, flawless, or everlasting. It reminds us that nothing in life is ever truly finished, perfect, or permanent.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;

Leonard Koren, author of Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers, describes it beautifully:

“Wabi-sabi is the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is the beauty of things modest and humble. It is the beauty of things unconventional.”

This philosophy honors the passage of time, finding quiet beauty in the weathered and well-worn. It finds beauty in everyday things that show their age—like a rusty roof, worn-out shoes, a cozy old jacket, or an iron pan that’s been used for years and passed down in the family.

The Art of Starting Over

Although she was initially afraid to not return to the stability of her hotel career after the pandemic, the support from her family—her husband and two sons—gave her the strength to pursue her dream. Now, she feels more relaxed and believes that turning 50 has allowed her to truly enjoy life in a new way.

Carla’s journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to transform your life and pursue what truly fulfills you. Through clay, she not only found a new career—but a deeper connection with herself and the natural world that inspires her.

You can follow Barro à Parede on Instagram.

Author

Tereza Pedro is originally from Slovakia and now based in the Algarve, with a master’s in mass media. Passionate about lifestyle and storytelling, she captures the essence of daily life through a blend of creativity, international perspective, and coastal living—all while raising her son.

Tereza Pedro