Behind the Scenes with Charlotte Choclet

by Sam Simon

Charlotte Choclet is an artist, mother, astrological consultant and all-around showgirl who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and their three children.

Her artwork shines through weathered tones of black, pink, white and silvery grays. The content of her work ranges from personal topics such as—but not limited to—motherhood, pirate ships/pirate mommies, chandeliers, graphic florals, muscle cars and princess crowns.

Choclet’s work glows with an edgy visual style that is personal, gritty, punk, textural and eloquent.

I sat down with Charlotte one afternoon for lunch in the studio, and we talked about her artwork and life as a mom.

Charlotte, what is your philosophy on life?

It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice! Do the bucket list. Avoid the naysayers. Make a mess, aim high!

What’s your philosophy on being a mother who is also an artist?

Don’t worry about what anyone thinks. Childhood is short. As with any working mother, there are time constraints. In the early years, I got up in the middle of the night to go paint. If it was not important, I would not be doing it.

My kids appreciate my involvement with art. It gives them an example of completion—finishing projects is satisfying! I am so glad I stuck with it; in any other field, I might be super frustrated, and my kids would sense it. Whether we moms like it or not, we are examples for our kids.

Can you share a little insight into your world of art—where you make it and how you go about it?

My studio has always looked like a 14-year-old girl’s playroom—loads of pink, black and white.

Because I am a mother and limited on time, I just get right down to business. As far as paintings go, I will work on several at the same time. I ask the painting, “So what do you need?” Usually, I see the answer and just do it. I am able at times to create exactly what the image is in my head. With silk screening, it’s all about just letting my hands do the work. If I think too much about it, it shows in the work.

(Charlotte silk screens her iconic imagery in layers on up-cycled vintage and new clothing for babies, children and adults. You may even send her your own garments for her to create one-of-a-kind punk rock pieces with.)

What’s next for you?

I am publishing a book called Fast & Cheap: Crowns, Cars and Chandeliers about my last series of paintings. My fantasy is to get into the Venice Bienale. I want to design a room at the Hotel Fox in Copenhagen or the Gladstone.

Thanks for sharing with us, Charlotte!

Comments

Jillian Scotts
December 13, 2012
I think that any lady who can tackle a broad range of subjects — from flowers to crowns to cars to pirate ships — can tackle just about anything! LOL!
Shai Virtuso
December 14, 2012
I am curious as to how her studio looks like. Anyway, does she do other subjects aside from those you have already mentioned?
Sam Simon
January 30, 2013
@facebook-100000112949334:disqus Her work is very diverse, way too many to mention in the piece above. Every spring she does an open studio event in Brooklyn, email me or her for info! xoss
Sam Simon
January 30, 2013
@facebook-100002099940743:disqus She’s quite an amazing woman and artist.