Wed, 23/02/2022 - 13:35
We caught up with Charlie Collins who is currently occupying studio 3.1 at Banks Mill. Charlie is one of our student residency winners and is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration at the University of Derby.
Tell me a bit about your practice?
I am an illustrator, curator, writer, and arts facilitator.
Through my illustration and writing practice I explore traditional media and alternative publishing, with a focus on human perception, environmental themes, and viewer interaction. As a curator my focus is on grassroots and collaboration. I have curated and facilitated a range of projects including exhibitions, live events, workshops, publications, festivals, and mentoring programs.
What are you currently grappling with in the studio?
I’m currently working on my final major project for my degree. My project focuses on wellbeing and grounding techniques, and right now I’m working on creating the visuals for multiple installations and interactive art objects. I’m also working on editing issue #6 of No Jobs in the Arts which will launch in April!
Do you have any rituals in the studio, what are they?
No rituals as such. However, since the start of this year I’ve been filming short clips, 2-10 seconds each, every time I’m in the studio. I also film parts of my week where I’m not working, like baking cakes or making a tea. I’ve been piecing these together and sharing them on my Instagram each week. It’s helped me become more aware of how I spend my time, and it’s lovely to look back on previous weeks and see what I’ve been creating.
What’s your preferred medium/what do you work with?
I most often work in watercolour, but I also use printmaking techniques, and experiment with mediums such as gouache, ink, and paper folding.
What do you have planned for future work?
I want to step out of my sketch book and work on a larger scale. I love taking retro/DIY formats and re-imaging them. For my degree show I’m planning on creating a large-scale view master, with removable slides. I would also love to work on an illustrated poetry collection, and hopefully work with more clients who share my values when it comes to wellbeing and sustainability.
Who/What Inspires you and your work?
I would describe myself as an authorial illustrator, so my work is usually inspired by my experiences and the things I engage with. Having said that, I love to work collaboratively, particularly within my curatorial work. I find it inspiring to talk through ideas and make projects happen with other people.
Do you have any helpful resources/advice that you would recommend to other artists and makers?
Engage with your network and the artists around you, as an illustrator I know it’s easy to become quite closed off but building a creative community around me has really been the best thing in terms of staying inspired and gaining opportunities.
Which guests would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Much of my work is inspired by the poetry and music I read and listen to, so I think it would be great to invite some of my favourites, and to find out more about their work and their creative process.
If you weren’t an artist and could choose any career, what would it be?
Since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and I still do, so that would be great.
What have you celebrated in the last 12 months, personally or professionally?
I received funding in January for a small project grant from Arts Council England for No Jobs in the Arts, the platform I co-run! I also got to create my first editorial illustration for the Human Rights magazine The Human Perspective.