West Coast Mixed Media Artist, Charlotte Hegler

ACLD
Jun 11
3 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Meet the artist: Charlotte Hegler, currently showing at Ladysmith Gallery. Read our Q&A with Charlotte and check out her work at 📍Unit 7 - 32 High St. Downtown Ladysmith, open 10 AM - 4 PM daily until June 25.

My favourite art supplies are Pigments and mixed mediums, which lend themselves well to bold contrasts, and emotions through layering with heavy textures and smooth blends which can symbolize turbulence versus peace. Colour transitions using deep darks, and blues fading into white tones can make your theme shine through

What does creativity mean to you? To me, creativity is the space where my thoughts and emotions become visible. It's how I make sense of the world and my place in it, whether I'm painting from nature in acrylics or oil, creativity is my way of being fully alive.

Describe how art is important to society? Art preserves history, builds identity, fosters empathy, heals, and comforts, raises awareness, gives voice to the marginalized, encourages curiosity and dialogue, boosts creativity, drives tourism and economy, revitalizes communities. In short : Art is not just decoration or entertainment it's a mirror to society, a tool for change, a healer and a driver of growth. It also helps us make sense of the world and our place in it.

Without art, Society loses part of its soul!

Who are your biggest artistic influences? My biggest artistic influences are J.M.W. Turner and Lawren Harris

What is a dream you would like to become a reality? I have always believed that art is more than just a form of expression, it's a lifeline, a voice for the voiceless and a bridge between the inner world and the outer one. My dream is to build that lifeline for children in orphanages, places where hope can sometimes feel distant and where creativity has the power to heal. Teaching children in an orphanage isn't just about teaching painting or drawing, it's about helping children rediscover joy, build confidence and process emotions in a safe and nurturing space. This dream is also about receiving, these children have so much strength, imagination and insight to offer. I hope to one day guide them, but I know they will teach me just as much, about courage, creativity and the profound beauty of the human spirit.

Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration in nature ( ocean, mountains, forests ) it's not just our eyes that experience nature, try closing them and standing in silence, what do you hear, how do you feel, and what comes up for you while you are present

Give a fun fact about yourself: Funny fact, I kissed Wayne Gretzky when I was 12 years old, and played hockey with him.

What advice would you give an emerging artist?

Dear Emerging Artist 🧑‍🎨

If you are reading this you've already done something courageous; you've chosen to create. That alone is worth honouring. I want to tell you something I've learned through my own journey - through layers of paint, moments of doubt and the quiet hours of making art when no one else is looking: Your Voice Matters!

You don't have to wait until you feel “ready “ or talented enough to begin. Some of the most honest and powerful work comes from uncertainty. Let your questions, your grief, your joy and your wonder show up on the canvas.

That's where magic is

Trust your voice more than the algorithm

Follow the ideas that haunt or heal you

That's where the light lives

Creativity is about showing up, even when the work is quiet or difficult - Even when doubt whispers -let it whisper and keep painting anyways

Let the process be messy

Let it be real

Let it be yours

Protect your creative space

There is LIGHT in what you do

Even if its just for you right now.

Keep going, keep creating, The world needs your voice!