For the first instalment of the series, we step inside the world of Carla Uriarte, the Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist. Known for her expressive visual language and vibrant use of colour, Carla’s practice moves intuitively between painting, illustration and installation, creating worlds that feel playful and deeply alive. Her work balances spontaneity with emotional depth, often drawing inspiration from memory, travel, nature and the energy of everyday life. Across her practice, recurring symbols such as suns and abstract forms become visual languages for connection, optimism and feeling.

Carla’s interpretation of optimism reflects this same spirit of imagination and creative freedom. Painted with a radiant sun-like form unfolding across the garment, the piece feels expressive, instinctive and alive — optimism captured on RIISE’s Optimism T-Shirt through colour, movement and emotional openness. Like much of Carla’s work, it carries a sense of warmth and spontaneity.