When speaking to Charlotte White or viewing the vibrant visuals of her work, there is something endearing in the honesty and self-expression that she manages to convey. Whether it’s discussing her children, her goals for the future or the parts of herself that she proudly admits are still a work in progress, the comfortable ease she has with her own humanity is impossible to dislike. Regardless of bold brushstrokes and a vivacious palette that is impossible to ignore, it’s easy to see that she remains very much grounded not only in the pursuit of beautiful visuals, but also a welcoming and inclusive community too.

After a 5-year period of teaching at the Stirling Street Art Centre, as well as gaining a degree in visual arts and a graduate diploma of education, the community Charlotte now admires is something that can’t be gained through a certificate. Through a combination of organising sip and paint workshops, bringing people together through a combination of bold colours and delicious tastes, and larger projects for society at large, she is eager to mentor those around her and help them find the art within themselves that longs to be released. 

“It’s been so nice to see […] people just having a go”

She describes of her workshops. “It takes a lot to try something new, especially as an adult. It is quite scary […] and I guess what I’ve been trying to do is like show people that art can be accessible.” With her support of large public artworks that everyone can access and enjoy, as well as make their own interpretations of, Charlotte is a patron of art for all, regardless of class or prior understanding.

Through an active variety of working with people with disabilities or even hosting classes for younger generations, the importance of supporting local and cultivating passion is of the utmost importance to Charlotte. This sense of connection, whether to herself as an artist, her children as a mother, or her community as an artistic leader is something that looms over all of her work, not as a jaded responsibly but as another way to connect with the people around her. While vocal about a self-confessed lack of self-confidence, you’d never know it from the ardently lively pieces of her work, with the colour she infuses into each piece being the source of her confidence, rather than merely an expression of its pre-existence.

Art is more to Charlotte than expensive materials and skills honed in prestigious classes, but instead the mere act of meditating and expressing yourself. The process of learning itself translates not only in her work but also her life at large, with her favourite quotation being “Ancora Imparo” by Michelangelo, which translates to

“Still I am learning” 

“There are always things that we can do better” she explains, “If you think you’re nailing it, then maybe you need to move on because there’s always something you can do better.”

And with that advice, it’s impossible to remain ambivalent to her work and also her character at large. With the fierce honesty and gentle charisma she herself provides, it is easy to see the communities she encourages, and the artistic legacy she is only just starting to inspire.