My name is Charlie White. I create under I AM YOU.
I AM YOU represents oneness, the connectedness of all things.
Years ago when I decided to create under this name I had no idea where my creative journey would take me. However, I did know that I had unlocked a closed-door upon my realisation of the interconnectedness of everything. This realisation was the opening of my creativity.
Around nine years ago, for the first time since I was a child, I began to create. I began to draw symmetrical patterns in my journal, these patterns were spilling out of me. I soon realised that these symmetrical patterns were called Mandalas. Over the years I developed my artistic skills whilst travelling. I painted murals, I was commissioned to create logos and artworks, and I hosted workshops and art classes for adults and children all whilst working different jobs to fund travelling and life. As a child, I was told that art wasn’t worth pursuing, that I would never earn a living as an artist and to take subjects in school that would secure me a ‘real’ job and career. I believed the ‘grown ups’ and this led me to qualifications in Childcare and Education. I worked in a children’s hospice at home in Wales, I was a support worker for vulnerable adults. I have been a swimming teacher, a lifeguard, a children’s librarian, worked in hospitality, as a nanny and a yoga teacher.
I worked a lot of jobs, and travelled a lot of places but it wasn’t until my creativity was unleashed that I felt a sense of peace and purpose that I had been unknowingly searching for.Perhaps this societal stigma and idea that art isn’t a real or appropriate job was why I had never thought of becoming a tattoo artist. I had always loved tattoos, I had plenty. But when my friend asked me to tattoo him, and I did, I was instantly in love and couldn’t believe I had never thought of it before.
I then spent the next few years immersed in all things tattoo in Brazil and New Zealand. Now I am a tattoo artist. I create every day.
I am so grateful to the people who have supported me along this path and shared with me their skills, perspectives and wisdom. Every day I am in awe and deep appreciation that I am surrounded by creatives and that my creativity and art enable me to live a fulfilling, inspiring life that I love.
Source: Charlie White
Explain what you do in the simplest for
I am a tattoo artist. Day to day I am creating unique art to tell people’s stories, capture a part of their life, and weave their inspirations and ideas into art that can be carried with them throughout this lifetime.
When I am not designing tattoos or tattooing them, I am creating in many other ways.
I still draw mandalas and have recently begun developing a recycled book mandala series. Books are also art for me and a huge inspiration – writing, reading, children’s picture books, illustrations, and poems. My love for books and up/recycling inspired my recent book mandala series.
I love interior design and upcycling furniture. A lot of my work is inspired by nature, the fractals, symmetry and patterns that we see throughout the natural world. This also explains why I am so inspired by textiles and am fascinated with architecture as both use nature’s patterns throughout.
What advice would you give to someone who is changing their career path (or starting a new business)?
‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ – Susan Jeffers
I would say what she said. It is what I always try to remind myself.
Trying new things, going against the grain can be scary, putting yourself first can be scary, and chasing your dreams can be scary. But it is absolutely necessary.
We can not live well, be there for others, or support those we love, we can not love others if we can not do the same for ourselves.
I believe that ‘quitting’ your job, changing your career, uprooting your life, whatever the change may be, is not failure.
It is brave.
Making changes you know somehow need to be made is not giving up or giving in, it is succeeding. Succeeding at choosing you, what is best for you.
If you can do that, you can do anything.
What inspired you to pursue your artwork/ job?
I had many jobs in different fields and countries. I am a hard worker and I love to work but somehow I always felt unfulfilled in my jobs. Like no matter how hard I tried to make it work, tried to look on the bright side, I just didn’t feel happy. I felt like I was destined to not enjoy my job. I wasn’t willing to let this be the case, hence why I have worked in so many fields. This also made me feel like a failure because society tells us to ‘stick at it’ but I inherently felt that I shouldn’t stay at something that isn’t right.
Now, I am proud that I didn’t settle, that I kept searching for what was right for me, I trusted that life could feel this way and that was why I kept looking, kept learning, and stayed open.
Sometimes it felt like I would never find ‘my thing’.
But actually, I didn’t find my thing, it found me, and I was open to receiving it. I never ever thought I could be a tattoo artist, but the feeling when I first put ink in skin, that was it.
After that first tattoo, the endless studying of all things tattoo. Needle configurations, machines, hygiene, different styles, tattoos through time, and culture. I didn’t have to ‘stick at it’, it wasn’t a chore. I was inspired and I still am every day. It is a privilege to create for others and it is an honour to be trusted and invited into people’s lives in this way.
What sets you apart from other artists?
This is a very interesting question, I have never actually thought about this before.
We all have our unique expressions, different drives and energy behind our art.
What sets me apart is that I endeavour to connect and really see the people I create with. I want to know what the art means and understand beyond words, beyond the explanation. I want to feel what the person is expressing or what they can not express. This is often the case with tattoos. I think art, especially tattoos hold such depth and energy which is held within the art as long as they carry it. I hope that the people I work with feel empowered, heard and transformed throughout the entirety of the tattoo process and after.
Source: Charlie White
What is your dream project?
How many can I list haha!
It is my dream to provide a safe space for people to be their creative selves. Not only a tattoo studio promoting sustainable tattooing but also a sort of creative sanctuary, where people can come and choose a book, have a coffee, children can draw, artists can work, and workshops can be held. All whilst supporting the local community and the earth by using, selling and promoting eco and sustainable ways of living.
Throughout school, I had no idea what I would do, only that I would work for myself. Along the road, I have realised how many people are unhappy in their work, and how people feel undervalued, unappreciated and often underpaid. My resolve to bring such a space to life has grown far beyond having my own business. It has become a dream to offer a place where all that come, be it employees or customers feel seen and appreciated. I want to offer space for people to be, grow, express themselves, and connect.
Name a local artist that inspires you?
Again, how many can I list?!
Monica Cross
The most beautiful watercolour painter, with such depth in her work. She also creates amazing illustrations and is a great tattoo artist.
Lynda Hensman
Owner of the Ivy Box Gallery. Inspirational transformation with the gallery and always enjoy Lynda’s work on the walls.
Mark Hill
Love seeing his earthy metal works around Queenstown, the shapes and patterns are beautiful.
What is an artistic outlook on life?
To be open and creative in everything you do. Art is not just paint and paper. It’s how we behave, towards ourselves and others. Creative living is a mindset.
Experiment with life, try things and see what works and what doesn’t. We don’t need to hold on to the things that don’t work, we can take the lessons, learn from them and remember them for our new painting, our new experience, and our new day.
Where can we find your artwork?
I am in the midst of developing a website to sell my original artworks, greeting cards and prints.
The website will have a gallery of my tattoo work too, but for now, you can find me on Instagram
@iamyou.tattoo