Meet Our Campaign Artist: Charlotte Elizabeth Lane

Here at Singapore HQ, we’ve been dazzled by the work of Charlotte Elizabeth Lane and we’re so excited to feature one of her dreamy Moon series for the 16th edition of Affordable Art Fair Singapore (10 – 12 November 2023).

We caught up with Charlotte to talk inspirations, influences and her unique form of therapy…

We’re very inspired by the calm, dreamlike landscapes you create. Where did the influence from nature originate, and how does this impact your creative process?

All my works are deeply rooted in nature. It brings me joy when I celebrate the incredible beauty which surrounds us. There’s so much power, drama and colour unfolding around us every day.

One of the greatest joys of being an artist is getting the time to really look. It’s so easy nowadays to forget to take the time, look around, and indulge in our environment. My recent series, “imagined landscape’ draw on my past techniques and experience, so it feels like they could only be created now, by the person I am at this very moment.

It is difficult to pinpoint where exactly my inspiration comes from. I’ve been so lucky to travel and experience places all over the world which have had a profound effect on me. My childhood in the wild landscape of the UK, my years of living in Singapore and exploring the surrounding places of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the mountains and coastlines of New Zealand, and the untamed beauty of Scotland’s Hebridean Islands are just some of the places which inform and layer these pieces.

It is incredibly liberating to give yourself permission as an artist to create from your imagination. To be untethered, no rules, no desire to create perfect recreations but to indulge all my memories, feelings and experiences in creating the magical landscapes I’d like to visit. Escapism in its purist form.

How do you feel your work as an artist now has been influenced by your background in other creative disciplines? 

Starting my career as a theatrical scenic artist is such a gift for me. It gave me the chance to work with some of the most incredible artists in the industry, and learn how to manipulate paint and colour. These beginnings gave me a huge toolbox of techniques and methods which I apply till this very day. Learning to speak the language of paint gives me a confidence to work in a certain way. I’m bold with my work. I like huge canvases -big brushes, huge pots of colour sloshing about!

“I’m not afraid to make a mess, to make it ugly, to choose the wrong colours. Because all those things are part of the journey to make something not just superficially beautiful, but soulful, complex and layered.“

Can you describe the techniques and tools you use to ensure you meet your artistic vision?

It’s difficult to describe them as every painting is different, and they take a different journey into existence. My overriding technique however is to work with layers of colour. To experiment with different materials and methods, but to also use multiple layers of coloured inky washes to pull the works together to create history and patina.

We love your posts on Instagram of your bright and airy studio, but what does a typical day entail for you? Can you talk us through how you produce your paintings?

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Are you reading anything at the moment?

I spend a lot of time in nature as it calms my mind and informs my work. Taking a mindful dog walk-through the woods makes is a great start to the day. We often explore the landscape and coastline as a family during the weekends, taking long walks and heading to swim in the river or sea.

I am a lover of classical literature and poetry, and am currently reading the works of Laurence Durrell. inspired by a visit to his Corfu home… I also like the occasional twisty murder mystery, and am a devotee of vintage Ruth Rendell!

You speak a lot about protecting your wellbeing, as well as the challenges of creative block. What’s your advice for overcoming these mental barriers, and what does this process look like for you? 

No matter what your profession is, there will always be stress and pressure that comes with it. At times I’ve felt overwhelmed by the unending potential of a blank canvas, this enormous possibility that just requires me to start. How do you start when it could be anything? How do you make that first mark without knowing the ending…?

When I was creating my Moon series (featured as Affordable Art Fair’s campaign image!), I wasn’t feeling my best and decided one day to step away from the piece and to paint something just for myself, just to remind myself how much I love to paint.

The night before had been a glorious full moon so I decide to recreate that on the biggest canvas I could find. Oh and what a joy it was! I didn’t plan, I don’t agonise, I’m not sure I even think. I play, it’s all instinct, muscle memory and exploration. I never intended to exhibit or even show anyone these pieces, but somehow they have gathered a life of their own!

There’s an energy to my moons, a purity of expression. And for me each one is a delight to do. I don’t make them every full moon. But occasionally, I feel it in my heart and in my body. I need to let go of expectation and indulge in a moon painting, my own unique form of therapy!

What would you say are the most rewarding, and the most challenging, aspects of being an artist today? What changes would you like to see within the industry to help artists succeed? 

There is nothing more rewarding in the world than creating a piece of art and seeing it find it’s home with someone who truly loves it. With every painting I sell, I am overwhelmed by the idea someone cares enough, really cares, to, not only pay hard earned money, but to give it space in their lives for years to come. It is like watching a baby bird fly the nest, the emotions of this moment never dulls.

Being an artist can be challenging. The art world has changed drastically over the last decade, and it is a complex world that can feel closed and difficult to navigate. For me, working closely with galleries is the best route. I think it’s important to set boundaries. Social media makes me accessible as an artist 24 hours a day, so it is easy to become mired in that world and be always on duty. Working with a supportive gallery like REDSEA takes the pressure away from performing the business tasks and leaves me the freedom to actually create. And for that I’m very grateful.

At our fair in November, we’ll be welcoming many first-time art buyers. What are your tips for getting the most out of an art fair as a visitor?

I LOVE seeing first time buyers make their first purchase. It’s so gorgeous to see new couples, new houses, new adventures being celebrated by people dipping their toes in the beautiful sea of art.

Art fairs can be overwhelming! Take your time, explore, revisit, revisit again. For me, art is totally built upon emotional connection. You know when you find it. You know if something speaks to you. You know if something keeps popping back into your head. That’s the art I would buy. The pieces I can’t explain why I love them, but I love them.

On a practical level if you’re looking for a piece of work for a particular place in your home, knowing a few wall measurements can be helpful!

Huge thanks to Charlotte for taking the time to answer our questions! We loved getting an insight into her life and work as an artist.

Don’t forget to mark Affordable Art Fair Singapore (10 – 12 November 2023) in your calendar and snap up your tickets below!