Art & Design blog

Charlotte Keates is a London based-artist who has exhibited throughout the UK. Graduating with a BA First Class Honours Degree in Fine Art from Falmouth University, Keates’ work is currently represented by The Porthminster St Ives , The Project Gallery Arundel & Arusha Gallery Edinburgh.

Born in 1990 in Somerset,Keates aims to create intriguing and surprisingly illusionary interiors inspired by 1960’s and 70’s classical architecture. The landscape and sea with swimming pools and birch trees consistently feature in her work.

At what age did you start to take an interest in the field you work in?

I’ve always loved to draw. From my primary school days I could always be found with a pad of paper and pencil wherever I was. I know that sounds like a cliche but it is completely true. Drawing has always been so important to my practise and I think it wasn’t until my foundation year at University that I really discovered painting. I had a fantastic tutor; Simon Averill, and with much encouragement I decided then that I wanted to be a painter

What are your top three favourite songs?

A difficult question. I always have to have something on in the background whilst painting which means I’m happy listening to a wide variety of music. I’m really not overly fussy about music.

What is your favourite London gallery and why?

 I think I’d opt for Tate Britain. If ever I’m in need of inspiration or motivation you’ll always find me there. Their permanent collection being the main reason. Having said that, I love the architecture at The Royal Academy and the feel of the space; architecture and interiors playing such a key role in my paintings.I’m always really interested in the relationship between gallery space and artwork.  The Hayward Gallery also uses their space really well and shows some fantastic work.

Name three creatives who have inspired you over the past 10 years?

Dexter Dalwood, a painter whose collage-like paintings have fascinating concepts and conspiracy theories surrounding them.  Mamma Andersson, a Swedish artist whose paintings are truly beautiful. I was lucky enough to attend her Private View at The Stephen Friedman Gallery in London a couple of years ago. And of course David Hockney; his early works, in particular the 60’s and 70’s.

 

Have you got any exciting commissions/exhibitions/projects happening or coming up?

Yes, lots and lots of exciting things over the next year!

Having just exhibited a collection of work at The Porthminster Gallery – St Ives, another selection of work at the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead with Arusha Gallery – Edinburgh, plus a big commission for a London-based Interior Designer. My painting life is very lively and somewhat challenging.

I also have works showing in both the Summer Shows at The Gatehouse Gallery – Guernsey, and The Project Gallery – Arundel. It’s so important for me to keep inspired and see new places, having just been to Cairo and Greece. I am very excited to see what I paint next. When painting after a short trip to Iceland earlier this year, I really started to notice certain elements finding their way into my work.

Plus, ahead of me too is the planning for exhibitions of my work at Arts Fairs in Manchester and Liverpool, along with the Affordable Art Fair Battersea in the Autumn.

 

If you weren’t involved in the creative industry what other career path might you have chosen? 

I’m really not too sure. Everything that I think of seems to be creative in one way or another. My immediate thought tends to lean towards possibly Architecture or Interior Architecture.

For further information about the artist, please visit their website www.charlottekeates.com