SAMO - Self Portrait Painting

Clara Woods is a painter, artist, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and host of The Inclusion Matters Podcast. Despite experiencing a prenatal stroke that left her unable to read, write, or speak, Clara fluently understands Portuguese, Italian, and English.In 2018, inspired by her muse Frida Kahlo and supported by her family, Clara hosted her first exhibition in Florence, Italy—her birthplace. Since then, she has held around 30 exhibitions across three continents. Highlights include a 2021 showcase hosted by Louis Vuitton Group at Art Basel, Miami, and painting her 1000th piece in 2024. Clara has sold over 850 original artworks worldwide and moved to, California, in December 2020 after receiving her American visa as an extraordinary talent.Clara's work goes beyond the canvas. As the founder of The Inclusion Matters Movement, she is a game-changer and role model for different generations, using her platform to celebrate diversity and inspire others to embrace their unique gifts. Her story has earned her nominations and recognition, including being nominated for a Global Youth Award, which honors young leaders in creativity, education, and empowerment.Clara has been featured in major publications such as Forbes, Good Morning America, Los Angeles Times, and Dr. Daniel Amen's Change Your Brain Every Day Podcast. Her journey has also been captured in two documentaries and two children’s books. A proud moment in her career was when Clara personally gave Alicia Keys a portrait she painted of the musician, a testament to her growing influence and creativity.As a host of The Inclusion Matters Podcast, Clara continues to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide. Based in Costa Mesa, California, Clara paints, creates, and dreams, proving every day that limitations can become strengths and that inclusion truly matters.