Getting inspired by writer Charlotte Ralph
Charlotte Ralph is a writer, illustrator and campaigner living in Sheerness. She’s been an author for 3 years and responded to my call out for local writers on the Sheppey Writers Group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/414558315280897.
It’s been a long day of workshops on Zoom and when we’re ready to start our meeting at 5pm I’m knackered but as soon as Lottie’s camera comes on and I see her studio I’m like WWOOOOOWWWWEEEEEE!!!! It’s COVERED in illustrations!!! Lottie explains she’s working on the artwork for her fifth book, which will be launched not at a traditional book launch but at a FASHION SHOW!
The new book for women and girls will be called Be Body Confident and tells the stories of 3 inspirational women alongside Charlotte’s autobiography. The fashion show will feature women aged 28-72 years old who embrace body positivity and self empowerment. Charlotte will be painting the bodies of everyone who appears in the fashion show to express the beauty that is within each of them.
Charlotte began painting her body last December after she was invited to attend a global conference to recognise her work as an author as well as for her role as an ambassador for Women Empowering Women. You can check out the painting she’s been doing on her website: https://www.rosegoldgallery.com/448026943 and if you want to take part, read this article and see details of how you can get in touch with Charlotte directly. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/models-needed-for-fashion-show-with-a-difference-246845/
Lots of people in Sheerness are supporting her including those donating raffle prizes, selling tickets and the woman in the local art shop alongside her 4 strong campaign team. Making connections and building networks is really important to Charlotte both as a businesswoman and artist. The Be Body Confident campaign is like a body-based version of what she’s doing in her books. She’s been asked to convert her inked artwork into digital illustrations for her books but she refuses, knowing that confidence for her is about “being different, being unique and just being me”.
Talking to Charlotte has been a truly inspiring experience. I leave the Zoom feeling so much more energised than when I began. Thank you Charlotte!
Be Body Confident Community Fashion Show is at Sheppey Little Theatre, Sheerness on 6th August 2021. Tickets £10. Please contact Charlotte on 07935569638.
