Charlie Kirkham
Mythological visual artist
My art is more than just a visual delight; it's a gateway to untold stories and unseen worlds.
I reside as a Midlands-based visual artist with a penchant for the fantastical and a deep love for history.
The "Georgian Dragon" series, highlights my intricate and methodical approach to art. This project combines my detailed, heavily researched ink drawings set within captivating circular formats with the precision of laser cutting. These ink foundations often evolve into vibrant oil paintings, each piece an elaborate and time-consuming masterpiece.
My fascination with circular art began at Coventry Cathedral, where I encountered a round depiction of George and the Dragon that sparked my imagination. This love for circularity flows through my creations, which frequently feature dragons in various forms, intertwined in narratives that reflect my passion for storytelling. One notable piece from my collection reimagines the four rivers of Eden as colossal dragon creatures, a work that will soon be showcased at a gallery in Brooklyn.
With a diploma in portraiture from The Heatherley School of Fine Art in London and a background from the esteemed Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Israel, my academic foundation is robust. This education has equipped me with a diverse skill set, ranging from traditional oil painting and ink drawing to modern digital etching techniques.
As the driving force behind Charlie Kirkham Art, I offer a variety of artistic services including original artworks, prints, laser-etched pieces, and engaging artist talks. I also conduct corporate team-building art workshops, making classes, and provide bespoke art tuition, demonstrating my commitment to nurturing creativity in others.
Not just a creator of beautiful things, I also use my art for impactful causes. As the Lead Artist at Sudden Cardiac Art, I collaborate with HeartCharged to raise awareness of women's cardiac health through visual art. This role exemplifies how art can transcend aesthetics to touch lives and spread vital messages.
I have received numerous accolades and funding from prestigious institutions such as The Eaton Trust and STEAMhouse, Birmingham. My work has graced galleries far and wide, from the Mall Galleries in London to Seven House Gallery in New York, demonstrating my wide appeal and international recognition.
My portfolio of exhibitions chronicles my evolving artistic journey. Highlights include my nomination for the Passion for Freedom (Visual Arts) award in 2024 and my triumph at the Visions of Science Award in 2018. My exhibitions range from the RBSA Drawing Prize in Birmingham to the Society of Graphic Fine Art showcases in London, marking me as a stalwart of the contemporary art scene.
My work invites viewers into a realm where myth meets reality, where dragons roam and rivers roar with ancient secrets. My art dances between melancholy and magic, inviting viewers to reconnect with the whimsical and wondrous parts of themselves.
Whether you're an art collector looking to enrich your collection with contemporary mythological masterpieces, an organisation seeking an inspiring team-building experience, or simply someone whose walls are crying out for the touch of art, I am the artist to watch. With a unique blend of folklore, environmentalism, and feminist themes, I continue to captivate and inspire, one dragon at a time.
