In the heart of the UK, where the whispers of myths meet the hum of contemporary life, resides Charlie Kirkham, a Midlands-based fantasy art creative with a flair for the fantastical and a heart steeped in history.
Charlie's latest creative adventure, the "Georgian Dragon" series, exemplifies her intricate and methodical artistry. This project merges her finely detailed ink drawings, heavily researched and set within mesmerising circular formats, with the cutting-edge precision of laser cutting. Her work often blossom from these ink foundations into vibrant oil paintings, each piece an elaborate and time-consuming masterpiece.
Charlie and Mark had a conversation that was lively, humorous, and revealed several shared interests by exploring her work, creating Charlie's fantasy Cultural year and playing Mark's This or That game.
Charlie's love with circular art began at Coventry Cathedral, where she encountered a round depiction of George and the Dragon that ignited her imagination.
This fascination with circularity permeates her creations, which frequently feature dragons in various guises, intertwined in stories that reflect her passion for narrative art.
One standout piece from her collection reimagines the four rivers of Eden as colossal dragon creatures, a work that will soon dazzle viewers at a Brooklyn gallery.
Charlie Kirkham's journey into the arts is as rich and winding as the tales she tells through her work. With a diploma in portraiture from The Heatherley School of Fine Art in London and a background from the prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Israel, Charlie's academic foundations are robust. Her education has equipped her with a diverse skill set, spanning traditional oil painting and ink drawing to modern digital etching techniques.
Her career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. As the driving force behind Charlie Kirkham Art, she offers a variety of artistic services including original artworks, prints, laser-etched pieces, and engaging artist talks.
Charlie also conducts corporate team-building art workshops, making classes, and provides bespoke art tuition, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing creativity in others.
Not just a creator of art works, Charlie also channels her art for impactful causes. As the Lead Artist at Sudden Cardiac Art, she collaborates with HeartCharged to raise awareness of women's cardiac health through visual art. Her role exemplifies how art can transcend mere aesthetics to touch lives and spread vital messages.
Charlie has received numerous accolades and funding from prestigious institutions such as The Eaton Trust and STEAMhouse, Birmingham. Her work has graced galleries far and wide, from the Mall Galleries in London to Seven House Gallery in New York, demonstrating her wide appeal and international recognition.