Elements of dance

An exhibition of work by acclaimed artist Charlotte Fawley runs from 31st October to 21st December 2007 at ISTD2 Dance Studios

The world of dance, classical ballet and opera feature are richly detailed in Charlotte Fawley’s art, inspired by her lifelong love of theatre. Charlotte’s exhibition of paintings and drawings opens at ISTD2 Dance Studios in London on 31st October 2007 and here Charlotte describes the inspirations and processes that have brought this exhibition to life:

Charlotte on her background

“I graduated from Blackpool School of Art in the late fifties and then through the sixties and seventies worked for magazines and national newspapers including The Manchester Guardian. I came to London and began a career as an art director in advertising and television, while continuing with my books and illustration for major agencies - Young & Rubicam and J. Walter Thompson, amongst others. During this time, I also had the opportunity to study for some years at Camden Arts Centre, influenced by my tutor, the Carribean painter Aubrey Williams, who inspired my love of vibrant colours, the theme of much of his work being the interpretation of the music of Shostakovitch.”

Inspired by the arts

“In the eighties, influenced by my background I was drawn back to the performing arts. Covent Garden became a magnet and classical ballet was now the focus of my activity. I began to be included on lists to attend rehearsals of small dance companies, graduating with experience to have invitations to all the major companies - The Royal Ballet, The Kirov, ENB and the Bolshoi. For me, dance expressed in art is about energy and emotion. One line can sometimes express just that. A splash of colour will enhance the drama, be it passion, joy, anger or despair. A Kenneth MacMillan ballet has all those qualities in abundance, while those of Frederick Ashton are full of romantic charm and elegance, no less intense, and wonderful as a subject to paint.

It goes without saying, the opera has been a parallel source of inspiration for me, so rich again in the narrative subject matter. I am fortunate to have opportunities to draw some of the greatest dancers and singers in the world today. Theatre has also given me the chance to draw at performances of West End plays - The Theatre Royal Haymarket hs featured several of my exhibitions in recent years.”

Charlotte on her TV work

“Drawing live in front of a TV camera presented me with one of my greatest challenges! It taught me many valuable lessons and I also had the advantage of working with a superb team, particularly, TV producer, Dick Foster, who gave me some much needed confidence!

In the BBC2 film entitled, 'Making Their Mark' (1990) I am seen in action drawing dancers as well as soldiers on manoeuvres - a reconstruction of my graphics for NewsNight's coverage of The Falklands War. I experienced something of what it was like to endure the cold and bleakness of the Norfolk landscape, where those young recruits were going through their arduous training for a not far distant war. I followed them with my sketchbook - through the woods, gunfire ringing in my ears - keeping up as fast as I could…but, it's all in the film, and I hope to show it on my website eventually! The site is still being developed and there will be more images as I add new pages where you can see past, present and new work in progress. You can see my website at www.charlottefawleyart.com”

A new project – ‘Elements of Dance’ Exhibition

“This exhibition is a collection of works inspired by dancers past and present, to whom I am indebted for their great dedication to this ephemeral of all the arts.

Dance in all its forms has been an influence in many ways throughout my life. Even before I became a student at Blackpool School of Art where drawing was the foundation of everything, particularly the figure, I was fascinated by the magic of ballet. My first indelible memory at an early age was seeing Margot Fonteyn in ‘Firebird’ at Covent Garden. From that moment, although my subsequent career as an artist led me into several disciplines, including book illustration and design, that thread was firmly woven into my life. I have worked in that world now for over two decades and have learnt so much from the dancers who remain a continuing source of inspiration for me. The elemental qualities which pervade dance, classical and modern, give me a basis with which I can explore colour and line. I believe there is something wonderful about any art form which can convey energy and inspire people.”