Charlie has worked with EASTPAK in different capacities for about four years having first been introduced to them as a graffiti artist. Working in no set visual style or medium, Charlie’s focus is on the thinking. His take on personal projects and briefs are humorous and sometimes slightly subversive. His influences are drawn more from everyday encounters and conversations than the “conventional” creative world.
What has been your inspiration for the EASTPAK Artist Studio Bag(s)?
I’ve always been interested in suspect packages and how something completely benign can become something so feared. I wanted to make something unnerving.
Haha, I’ll leave it at that.
Which city do you live in – can you tell us what it’s best kept secret is?
I live in London. I don’t think I know any real secrets… or at least any that just I know.
There’s a good hole-in-the-wall noodle bar on Kingly Street but I can’t remember the name. The South Bank beach parties are pretty funny too, you can climb up and stand on the pillars under Waterloo bridge.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
I did an improv class the other day; that was really strange.
Can you name three major things on your ‘bucketlist’ – three things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket’…
I don’t plan much, off the top of my head…
Find happiness. (if it exists, haha)
Go to the Galapagos Islands.
Find happiness.
The proceeds from the sales of your bag will go entirely to Designers Against AIDS – What are your views on safe sex? Do you personally think it’s still important?
If I’m honest, I’ve never given it much thought. Growing up in the UK we did have sex education in school and I think most people understand the dangers of unprotected sex but in reality it’s not pre-planned decision, it’s a spur of the moment thing.
I also don’t think many people fully understand the numbers. I saw a statistic about AIDS in London the other day and was surprised at how high it was.
