Meet Charlotte Zink | Artist/ Sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Zink and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, how do you think about risk?
In general I would describe my self as fairly cautious, especially as a young person. I do believe in our creative and business endeavors a certain amount of risk taking is imperative. One of my favorite artists, David Bowie said it best. “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.’’ As I grow in my craft and business I try to challenge myself to push outside my comfort zone, nothing too crazy but always a little beyond what we’ve accomplished. I think many artists will tell you their favorite projects are the ones they are working on right now. The trials and errors, mastering of new skills and stretching your range are the exciting parts, a little bit scary and uncomfortable, but always enticing and exhilarating. An artist friend planted the seed in my heart years ago that the collection of rejection letters is every bit as wonderful as the acceptances, representing your efforts and willingness to keep putting your new ideas out there and throw your hat in the ring.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A native of New Orleans, I ventured out to Colorado in 1987 to study art and art education at CU Boulder. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with many mediums over the years, always drawing, painting, paper making and clay and for the past twenty four-years, collaborating with my husband and partner Ben, creating with metals. We live and work in a 125-year-old home in the heart of old town Berthoud. It has been a wonderful place to raise our two children, grow our sculpture garden and participate in the truly vibrant art scene up and down the Front Range. Shows, galleries and open studio tours have blessed us with loyal patrons over the years. Sharing our own designs, working on commissions and custom works have kept us on our toes, always learning something new and stretching our skill set a little further. Now in its fifth year, I am proud to have helped start our own Open Studio Tour here in Berthoud, showcasing our creative spaces and promoting local artists of all ages. As of late, I am most excited about our larger scale public works; on sculpture installation days you feel like an art fairy dropping off a bit of joy for the community. Art has the power to touch and connect us, and it is a wonderful feeling to see our creations out in the world doing that for so many folks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We love to have visitors come to town, isn’t it a joy to share your favorite things with your best-loved people? Carter Lake is just a stone’s throw away for hiking, swimming and paddling. Ben has his bike shop in town and enjoys getting everyone out and about on townies for a leisurely tour around old town Berthoud. Taking a walk around the ever growing Benson Sculpture Garden is always lovely, then maybe a drive up to Estes. Our NOCO art community has an abundance of shows, openings and pop up events year round. Downtown Ft Collins, Longmont’s Firehouse, Lafayette’s Art Collective and Loveland’s Artworks are some nearby favorites with interesting exhibits changing all the time. Often it is hard to choose when there is so much going on. For eats… Ras Kassas for Ethiopian, a stop at the Cheese Importers is a special treat and here in Berthoud we are thrilled with a new Indian restaurant, Colorado Curry. Yum. A nice day out is topped off with a stroll to our City Star Brewery, live music 4 blocks away is such a bonus! We enjoy lingering too long with our tea in the backyard; we live in a truly beautiful state, count our blessings often. Thanks for the opportunity to share. Cheers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been quite fortunate to have many wonderful mentors and a healthy art tribe fueling my artistic endeavors and giving honest feedback through the years. I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to talented Diane Findley of Fort Collins. She is an expressive painter, incredible potter and the joyful president of our Trimble Court Artisans Cooperative. I have been member there for 20 years, served on the board a spell and have watched Diane guide this talented group of creatives in such a spirited and loving way. Trimble just celebrated its 50th birthday and Diane has been there from the beginning. She is a force for fabulousness, generously sharing her energy and talents; her love and commitment to an artful life and Trimble Court shine so brightly. Found laughing and probably dancing on our first Friday Gallery Walks, Diane is indeed a Ft Collins treasure, has inspired many and I feel truly blessed to have her as a friend and teacher.

Website: zinkmetalart.com

Instagram: charlottemaryzink

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