For many years, Carmen was part of shared studios at the Arts Centre – these were destroyed in the earthquakes, along with a lot of her precious art work. In the aftermath of the earthquakes, Carmen experienced homelessness and disruption, and for a period she was unable to create. Carmen later incorporated her experience of the earthquakes into her art practice, depicting buildings such as the Christchurch Cathedral distorting and twisting. Carmen was a founding member of the Ōtautahi Creative Spaces creative community in early 2015. Although Carmen saw herself as an artist and had made art throughout her life, her art had not received the recognition it deserved. Carmen found participating regularly in studio groups beneficial for her art practice: “When I come here I forget that I’ve got a mental illness.” Carmen took up all the opportunities offered, including a scholarship to study art at The Learning Connexion where she completed a Certificate in Art and Creativity, having her work included in the Outsider Art Fair in Auckland, having a work displayed on a large panel at an outside exhibition at The Arts Centre, and in group exhibitions in Christchurch and Nelson.

A highlight was meeting Prime Minister Jacinda Adern when she visited our studios in 2017. Carmen and her mother Vicki – her biggest supporter - were there to meet her, and Carmen gifted Jacinda an artwork Ladybirds 2017, which was proudly on display in Jacinda’s office throughout her term.

Carmen's goal was to have a solo exhibition showcasing 20 years of her work. In 2021 we presented her solo exhibition Shapeshifter at Pūmanawa Gallery at the Arts Centre, with the support of a Creative New Zealand Arts Grant. This symbolised her return to the place that had been her creative home prior to the earthquakes. The celebration of Carmen’s distinctive art practice was also the catalyst for Carmen and Vicki to reconnect with members of their family. In 2025 Carmen's story will be featured in our 10th anniversary book.