Charles Pedone travelled the world on cruise ships before the need to furnish an apartment, and lockdown, steered him into the career he’d always been destined for since childhood
From the high seas to high acclaim – Charles Pedone’s career journey has transported him from working on a cruise ship to producing stunning examples of contemporary abstract art gracing leading independent galleries and famous landmarks such as the beautiful Grand hotel in his home city.
Born in Brum to a British mum and Italian dad, Charles remembers how he spent every moment he could ‘getting lost in time’ just sketching. Art was his favourite subject at school, although he says he never much enjoyed the traditional still-life classes – drawing a bowl of fruit framed by a fancy backdrop was not his bag, even at such a young age.
After completing foundations in art and design at college his career path took a bit of a detour when he decided to study for a degree in Graphic Design, believing it would be more employable. Employable maybe, but enjoyable certainly not, as Charles says he found the limits of graphic design too restrictive.
WORLD OF INSPIRATION
“After graduating I knew I wanted to travel, so I made just one application in the cruise ship industry and ended up on world cruise soon after. Sales and management roles onboard took me to over 80 countries, in the process gaining a wealth of inspiration from the architecture, colours and culture of the many locations I visited.” Charles also credits the working environment where no day is the same and is non-stop as helping him understand how much you can actually accomplish in 24 hours. “I think it prepared me with the work ethic I have applied to my creative profile,” he explained.
Charles says his artistic journey really began in 2019 when he was looking for some artwork for his apartment and decided he could create his own pieces – with the dual benefits of minimal cost and maximum satisfaction. Then as the pandemic and lockdown struck, Charles shared his work online and was delighted by the response from friends, encouraging him to do more. That’s when he first realised that maybe this could lead to something bigger!
“I was motivated by the feedback from others on my work and I saw space in the market to introduce my work, that I felt was both unique and could also place within the luxury end of the spectrum,” he said. In November 2021 he took a small stand at Manchester Art Fair and among the 10,000 visitors was London gallery owner and philanthropist Georgina Dhillon, who loved his work and offered him a place in her showcase for emerging artists and then a significant month-long debut show in London’s Fitzrovia.
GRAND DISPLAY
Today, Charles’s commissions include financial investment firm, Heligan Group, with original works displayed in its Birmingham headquarters and new offices in Mayfair, London. Commercial commissions, including the Grand hotel, are a vital part of Charles’s work. He has 15 pieces installed in the hotel, including in the Grand Penthouse, while the most obvious and striking example is mounted proudly above the fireplace in the Madeline bar.
“Balancing creative integrity with private commissions involves maintaining clear communication with the client about their vision while staying true to my artistic style,” said Charles. “I have two distinct styles, and I ensure that each commissioned piece or collection reflects both the client’s desires and my unique touch, creating a blend of both perspectives. Trust is fundamental in the process; it’s essential that they have confidence in my ability to bring their vision to life while maintaining my creative integrity.
Of his creative process, he says: “Inspiration generally strikes in moments of calm, whether during long drives or even after a yoga session for example. I strive to achieve a timeless quality within my work, so in support of this I often abstractly draw inspiration from nature, the cosmos, even heirlooms and antique fine jewels and archival images, for example colour palettes or composition. Motivation also comes from a desire to create pieces that evoke a sense of escapism and wonder.”
Charles is also a big believer in giving back and encouraging local up-and-coming creatives. Earlier this year, pieces of his work were auctioned at the Grand hotel raising more than £10,000 for Birmingham Hippodrome’s youth programme.
DUBAI AMBITION
The creative scene in Birmingham and the wider region is full of potential,” said Charles. “But the real value of the creative economy of Birmingham could be acknowledged even more. Independent galleries strive to afford buyers unique original works, something special that’s not mass-produced and they will only exist with support from the local community.”
What of the future? “Well, I have a variety of projects I’m currently working on. Bespoke commissions include a full installation at the new offices of Heligan Group in Mayfair, a bar and eatery which I can’t say too much about right now, and an incredible new narrow boat. In September/October I have commitments in London, with a second show at Zari Gallery Fitzrovia, a private launch in Mayfair and my debut at the Affordable Arts Fair in Battersea with the Barker Gallery.”
Looking further ahead, Charles aims to expand into the luxury Middle East market. “I am eager to build my audience in Dubai – where my brother lives and where I have a new agent – given the fast pace of development and opportunities.”