ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
CHARLOTTE GARDNER
OWNER OF WEST MALLING VENUE AND ART GALLERY, THE DRAWING ROOMS, WHICH CHAMPIONS CREATIVE EXPRESSION FOR ALL, CHARLOTTE GARDNER DEPICTS THE BEAUTY OF KENT THROUGH HER ROMANTIC WATERCOLOUR WORKS, HELPING BUDDING ARTISTS TO EXPLORE THEIR OWN ABILITIES, TOO.
Charlotte, please tell us about your artistic journey. While I had influential creatives around me as a child, I had a complete lack of knowledge with regards to art. I would often receive art sets as gifts, because family and friends knew I enjoyed art, but I didn’ t know how to use the curious items within them. I had no idea how oil pastels differed from crayons as they all looked much the same to me, and it was all quite baffling until a great teacher at secondary school helped me learn more. I discovered just how therapeutic and calming art could be in my 20s, often turning to art to relax. My work life, financial situation and home life was stressful at that time and art provided headspace at times when I needed it the most. I couldn’ t afford much, access to art classes was limited and I also found many galleries to be quite unfriendly, with no time for a young‘ nobody’ like me. Through trial and error though, I slowly found my own way- it was incredibly daunting and I’ ve never forgotten it, which is why I am so committed to helping those starting out now.
Have you always gravitated towards using beautiful watercolours? To be honest I was terrified of watercolours for many years because I had no idea how to use them and there are many poor substitutes calling themselves‘ watercolours’ that do not behave as watercolours should. This meant that my early experiences were disastrous and muddy. However, I adored the work of artists like J. M. W. Turner and seeing his sketchbooks inspired me to persist in my determination to find that soft romantic style for myself.
Where do you find inspiration? Does Kent influence your work specifically? I love history; the captivating stories of Kent towns and the scenic architecture where their stories have unfolded. Many of my artworks feature local landscapes, buildings and botanicals. West Malling is a treasure trove of historical stories.
Do you have a favourite piece? What about it stands out? I love artworks that depict nature, particularly Kentish woodlands and country lanes in the sunlight. I learned this word:‘ komorebi’- a Japanese word that describes sunlight filtering through trees to the dappled light and shadows on the ground; it’ s my favourite thing to paint.
Tell us more about The Drawing Rooms. How important do you feel it is for everyone to have a space where they can create freely? Since realising how crucial art is for improving my mental health, growing my confidence and stimulating new ideas, I want to teach others how to use creativity to improve their situations. I have been teaching for many years now and my students, whether adults or children, have experienced a decrease in anxiety, stress and depression, and a surge of positivity, empowerment, confidence and purpose after spending time creating. I would dearly love to be able to help more people access art and all the many benefits of strengthening the creative part of their brain.
What’ s next for you? It had never occurred to me that my teaching methods were any different than those offered by other art teachers. Apart from our differing styles and levels of experience, I presumed most classes taught the same fundamental things. I am now more aware that my teaching style is completely different to what’ s currently available elsewhere, so, as requested, I am currently working on ways in which I can make the teaching available to as many people as possible. I’ m thrilled that my methods have opened up a world of possibilities for so many people and as long as I keep receiving requests for teaching, I will keep providing it.
thedrawingrooms. co. uk charlottegardnerart
www. insidekent. co. uk • 35