Visual Arts

Cherished Heirlooms

Charlotte Campbell

See it On Campus: Level 1

Visitor Info

ECU Award Recipient

Mackenzie Award in Painting – Honourable Mention

“Winter Oranges”, oil paint on canvas, 36″ x 48″

Artist’s Statement

From September 2023-March 2024 I have been working on a collection of oil paint on canvas paintings titled “Cherished Heirlooms”. I am intrinsically interested in painting humble and cherished objects in simple compositions. My work is focused on still-life paintings of curated scenes with subject matter consisting of cherished heirloom items kept in my family. I am questioning nostalgia in human nature in my subject matter, by asking: what do we leave behind after we have gone? And while living, why do we keep what we keep? I am intrigued by everyday objects used in daily rituals and what makes something precious to a person. I want to capture the symbolism of things we keep and hold dear, and consider emotional value vs. monetary value, asking: what objects reveal and divulge about their owner. I aim for my paintings to invoke a visual narrative that viewers are able to investigate in a way that is meaningful and personal to them; I want viewers to be able to see a part of themselves in my work. I paint in realism so the subjects are recognizable, and choose to keep the backgrounds neutral and light so they retreat, allowing the subject to be the highlight.