ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
CHARLOTTE COE
FOR CHARLOTTE COE, ART IS MORE THAN JUST AN ART FORM- IT IS A WAY TO ESCAPE AND EXPRESS HERSELF THROUGH COLOUR. DRIVEN BY PASSION AND A LOVE FOR ANIMALS, CHARLOTTE TRANSFORMS BLANK CANVASES INTO UNIQUE WORKS OF ART THROUGH TEXTURED COLOUR, EXPRESSIVE BRUSHWORK AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS, REFLECTING HER VIVID IMAGINATION AND DEEP CONNECTION TO THE NATURAL WORLD.
Charlotte, please tell us about your artist journey so far.
I graduated in 2009 with a 1st Class BA( Hons) degree in Graphic Media and Art & Design before spending 14 years working as a graphic designer. Although I enjoyed the creative industry, my ambition was always to become a full-time artist.
In 2022, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Rather than letting it define me, it became the catalyst to pursue the career I had always dreamed of. So that’ s when I decided to commit fully to my art.
Today, I have been a full-time artist for four years. Alongside creating my own work, I have founded Coe Arts Collective, organising art fairs and exhibitions that support other artists and bring people together through creativity.
You create beautiful contemporary artworks. What has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration comes from animals, nature and the emotional connections we share with the world around us. I love creating artwork that makes people smile, laugh or pause for a moment of reflection. For me, art has always been a form of therapy
- a way to process emotions, find calm and express myself. If my work can evoke a feeling or brighten someone’ s day, then I feel I have achieved what I set out to do.
What has been one of the most memorable moments throughout your artistic career?
One of the highlights of my career so far has been founding Coe Arts Collective and hosting my first Summer Art Fair at Bradbourne House in June this year. Seeing over 900 visitors enjoy the event and every artist making sales was incredibly rewarding.
Another proud moment was having one of my paintings auctioned at the Big Cat Sanctuary Gala Ball in 2024 to raise funds for the Cheetah Conservation Fund. I also love creating unique commissions, including a 2.5-metre peacock playing snooker! Above all, the most memorable part of my journey has been meeting so many wonderful artists and connecting with people through my work.
What are the primary materials you tend to use when creating your artwork?
I primarily work with highly pigmented acrylic on canvas. Although I own plenty of brushes, I often find myself painting with my hands whenever I can- it allows me to create texture and feel more connected to the painting.
What do you love about Kent as an artist?
Kent is an endless source of inspiration. From its beautiful countryside and coastline to its historic buildings and abundant wildlife, there is creativity around every corner. I also love the incredible community of artists and makers that call Kent home. Through my own work and Coe Arts Collective, I have been fortunate to connect with so many talented people and celebrate art in some of the country’ s most beautiful settings. I feel incredibly lucky to live and create here.
Do you have any exciting projects coming up?
The Coe Arts Collective Summer Art Fair will return to Bradbourne House in June 2027 following the success of its first event, and I am currently working with several beautiful venues across Kent to bring even more art fairs and exhibitions to life. Watch this space- there are some exciting announcements on the horizon!
charlottecoeart. co. uk charlottecoeart / coeartscollective
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