CHARLOTTE HOLDEN 18 IL

Little Bird Studio Co.

Based in Brooklyn, NY

Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.

I am consistently inspired by lack of knowledge . Drawing is a medium for understanding. I seek to investigate through my artwork and analyze the forms which inspire me to create and share my findings with the viewer, allowing them to learn with me about the small details of life we often take for granted. I want to understand how creatures and objects alike are put together, why they work that way and the purpose behind their beauty. To me, drawing is truly a study. I cannot accurately translate the anatomy of my subjects in a two-dimensional space without first understanding how they are put together and without understanding the anatomy I cannot portray their grandeur and significance. Therefore each brush or pencil stroke represents a functional, active component of the structure of my subjects. In todays world, it is particularly important to consider everything around us and take the time to understand its importance and the impact every living thing has on our world.

Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?

I am particularly excited to share my new line of cards and prints made from a series of Gerbera Daisy paintings. These paintings are part of a larger body of work I am hoping to continue of botanical drawings and paintings. I love being able to share my work directly with the RISD community as it has always been my greatest inspiration and motivation. I would liken the feeling to bringing work to the RISD community to bringing work home for those closest to you, with the opinions that matter most to you, to see and experience.

How have you dealt with the challenge of maintaining a creative practice that feeds your soul but also helps pay the bills?

I have found that the best way to maintain a creative practice that “feeds my soul” and still pays the bills is to take on multiple projects. For me, the answer was to find a job that was not art related, but didn’t take up all of my time so I could still pursue my creative endeavors. It was also incredibly helpful to have a reason to leave my studio and see other faces throughout the week. Sometimes it’s lonely and sometimes it’s frustrating. It has been beneficial to my art practice to have time away from art and be able to come back with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. Not having 24 hours a day seven days a week to dedicate to art actually keeps me wanting to continue. Scheduling was another important factor in the success of my creative process. After school you don’t have classes to dictate how and when your time on your own work is spent. It is important to build a routine that works for you and do your best to stick to it.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I was recently part of the Washington Square Park Outdoor Art Exhibit in New York, NY where one of my paintings received the second place prize in its category. I also will be starting a project with a researcher at the New York Botanical Garden Summer 2019.

To see more of Charlotte’s work, visit www.teekartworks.com