Macon Magazine

Ovations365.com O V AT I O N S 3 6 5 . c o m MACON MAGAZINE OVATIONS An unmistakable palette of Southern hues, light, architecture and sky leaves no doubt of the geographic origins of artist Charles Ladson. A rising star in the art world, his work hangs in galleries in Asheville and Atlanta and in the homes and spaces of what he calls with trademark understatement, a "small but excited" audience of collectors. While his world is expanding artistically, the Macon native has chosen to make this city his home again. As he added layers to a new piece in the Ridge Avenue home/studio he lovingly restored with his own two hands, he spoke about his life and his work, infusing his easy energy, shy earnestness and unintentional charm into dreamlike paintings of scenes worthy of Lewis Carroll's looking glass. "My work is largely figurative – spaces, people, objects, creatures you can recognize," he said. "Pattern and design grow out of gobbeldy-gook. The paintings ramble along in all directions never knowing where they are going and then they arrive. People see what they want to see and everybody brings his own story to the table." Ladson's undergraduate training at the School of Visual Arts and a Master's of Fine Art degree from the Lamar Dodd School at the University of Georgia honed his skill and passion for art that began during his childhood in Macon. "As a child, like everybody else, I liked drawing," he said. "My grandfather was interested in painting. He was always painting at his house. And mom was an art major at college, so there were lots of art history books around the house." He showed natural talent almost immediately. But that nearly ended his career before it began. "I didn't like the attention I was getting, so I quit drawing for a long time," he said. "In high school I started drawing again in the attic of my parents' house. I have been painting ever since - for 17 years except for two years when I was rebuilding this house." And, like it or not, he and his work is gaining more and more attention. "I was introduced to the contemporary paintings of Charles Ladson years ago through an exhibition of his work at Wesleyan College. He already had quite a following of local supporters at that time, of course," said Susan Welsh, who is an artist as well as executive director of Macon's Museum of Arts and Sciences. "Now, Charles is highly regarded in the Southeast for his extraordinary work, by his contemporaries, gallery owners, museum curators and art patrons. We are thrilled to partner with Charles this year in a number of exciting events." Despite not knowing anyone who was a professional artist, he decided to make it a career. The grandson of longtime Macon arts supporter Betty Sweet Simmons said his family supported his choice without question. "My parents just figured I'd do whatever it took to get by. They never discouraged me. Sometimes I wish they had!" Ladson was in Athens and found, after graduation, that his life was in transition. "I had just graduated and the few friends I had left town. I had friends and family in Macon so I moved back to regroup." He was pleased to discover that he wanted to stay. "I rather enjoy the peaceful pace of life here. You can really focus on what you're doing – there aren't as many distractions as there are in bigger cities." He was surprised to discover a thriving arts community in his hometown. "I notice around town a camaraderie in the arts, for sure, but I just don't get out that much. But when I do I love to get out and see what other people are working on. Get a taste of what others are producing." Part of why he doesn't get out much is the increasing demand for his work. "Painting is different," he said compared to other art forms. "You make it and sell it one time. You must convince someone to pay a lot of money for a painting. I don't have time to sit and relish what successes I have. It's hard work. I put my head down and keep working. I take the little successes where I get them but I've got to keep making work to make a living." by cindy hill Photography by cindy hill Southern exposure Rising artist makes Macon home again

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