Face This: Pablo Picasso once said: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up’. How do you remain an artist? And do you have tips for non-artists to cultivate their inner child?
Charly Clements: I try to keep it fun! I know how important it is as an artist to not get bogged down by everything that comes with running your own business or freelancing. So I set myself fun challenges to make sure that I’m always enjoying what I’m doing. If I’m enjoying what I’m doing it always shows in the work I’m creating.
Face This: You designed an artwork by using some of our Indonesian kids’ drawings. With the proceeds of your artwork, we will be able to provide the kids you’ve collabed with a playground. How important is playfulness for you as an artist?
Charly Clements: Not only for children but for adults. You’re giving them a place where they can be free to explore and get creative. Playfulness is incredibly important for not only children, but for adults too. And it’s something you have to actively seek out in later life.
Face This: When we reached out to you, what made you want to join?
Charly Clements: I just loved what your charity stood for. I’ve lived in Indonesia for a few months in 2017 so I felt even more of a connection to the cause. I’ve also worked with children in the past, and I used art and play as a way for them to express themselves, so it felt like the perfect collaboration.
The Charly Clements x Face This collab is available on tees and a sweater. Pic by Rollo van Wijk/4eyes
Face This: When you received the drawings, what was your first reaction? What did you see in them? Can you describe them a bit for us?
Charly Clements: I saw happiness. Art has always been a kind of therapy for me so I just hope these kids never stop drawing, because the possibilities are endless.
Face This: Which drawings did you use to create your artwork with (you can refer to the drawings by using the file names)? And why did you pick these?
Charly Clements: I used the main concept of mountains and trees from file 15, the face from file 21 and the airplane from file 14 . I loved the idea of pulling elements from different kids’ drawings and bringing them all together to tell a story.
The Charly Clements x Face This collab is available on tees and a sweater. Pic by Rollo van Wijk/4eyes
Face This: Can you tell us something about how you have experienced this collaboration?
Charly Clements: It was an absolute honour working on this project. Being able to bring the kids artwork to life was so much fun and knowing that it’s for such a good cause makes it even better!
Face This: To conclude, is there something you would like to say to the kids who made the drawings you’ve worked with?
Charly Clements: Thanks for inspiring me to create this artwork. I’m so happy we got to collaborate on such a fun project! Keep up the great work!
TOPIA MAGAZINE X Face This
We are thrilled to team up with TOPIA, a new culture magazine that explores the power of human creativity. Want to find out how to launch your dream career? For a more in-depth interview with the Beano and pun-loving British illustrator travelling the world with only her iPad, read: She is fierce! How to become a self made artist – with Charly Clements