Charlie O’Sullivan’s paintings are colourful documentations of memories, anecdotes, patterns and rhythms, assembled as if a page of a scrapbook, a strong sense of layering ideas over one another, a feeling that these finished works are the culmination of a multifaceted process and a undulating stream of consciousness.The paintings appear to give a little nod to the abstract paintings of Paul Klee and are just as influenced by British Modernist design as they are by street art or even children’s book illustration. I asked Devon based painter Charlie O’Sullivan for her take on 2013.
Lisa: What has been your favourite exhibition of 2013?
Charlie: There have been a great many exhibitions this year which I know would have inspired me, but time constraints due to my own deadlines have meant that I have had to be selective. It is easy not to bother but as a full time artist its important to seek out, and be inspired by others so a kick to go is sometimes necessary. My top pick is actually local ‘Artists Make Faces‘ 60 works by international artists including George Baselitz, Jean Dubuffet and Lucian Freud curated by Monika Kinley OBE, her life story in itself is so interesting.
Lisa: What highlights have you experienced in your own art studio in 2013?
Charlie: My highlights this year have to be my first solo show on the Pall Mall in London with the unexpected thousands from Gay Pride passing by…. a painting in itself. Also being represented at the Singapore AAF by Marine and Steam Galleries at Beer.
‘Talking to the Shadows’ by Charlie O’Sullivan, Acrylic on wood panel, 30 x30 cms
Lisa: What art related new year’s resolutions will you make this new year’s eve?
Charlie: At the strike of midnight I will resolve to make time to experiment and explore new techniques in painting but perhaps fire my new kiln…I have no experience but want to step away from the easel every now and again to just use trial and error to create.
Lisa: What valuable lesson did you learn about making art in 2013?
Charlie: Sustainability for the artist…..quality not quantity…..not to be tempted at all too lose the quality in your work for the sake of quantity, using only the best materials and tested techniques even if it means spending more time and money on each piece you produce.
‘Restoring the Soul’ by Charlie O’Sullivan, mixed media on aluminium, 30x90cms
Lisa: What art materials are on your Christmas wishlist?
Charlie: Walking in to a well stocked art shop is my idea of heaven, on my wish list would be a another Mabef Roma Grande Studio easel with crank, the whole range of Golden Heavy Body colours and a selection of Schmincke AERO mediums and inks. I think I had better widen our chimney first though! Failing that I do love a new sketchbook…
‘Thinking of You’ by Charlie O’ Sullivan, Mixed Media on Wood, 70 x 70cms
To see more work by Charlie O’ Sullivan please visit her website http://www.charlieosullivanart.com/
I love Charlie’s work, there’s so much to see in every painting 🙂
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou Charlie for reminding me that art should be fun. I love your paintings and could easily get lost in one of them and never want to come out again. Thankyou.
Totally agree. Charlie’s work shows us poetry in the everyday – so nice to see work that is so joyful, happy and colourful…especially in the depths of winter!