September 2013: Featured Work of the Week: A closer look at the intricate artwork of Felicia Charles

Here we have personally selected out of our amazing colleagues' work, what is the one piece of work that has stood out this week

Our choice this week is... Midas Touch and All That Glitters

Felicia Charles is a self-taught artist and an interior designer.

Some of her work is currently for sale, displayed at the Arts Café in Leeds and she has other exhibitions in the pipeline.

Her pieces have interesting layers which give a vintage look and a contemporary feel. It was hard for us to pick just one favourite - so in an A Creation first - we picked two which we wanted to learn more about.

Felicia Charles: Midas Touch - mixed media and gold leaf

Midas Touch  was awe-inspiring to look at.

The result of using recycled paints from several of Felicia's previous workshops has gifted the piece with an unusual mixture of paints and various kinds of brush strokes. Felicia explained: "I love to give items another lease of life, especially when they are destined for the rubbish pile".

Also, her use of gold leaf in Midas Touch is breathtaking as it is the most delicate of materials. Felicia said: "You literally have to hold your breath as you work with it and you only get one shot, with a lot of patience, accuracy and a steady hand. The results are beautiful and very rewarding though".

"In all of my work I like to build upon layers, playing with textures to create a sense of depth that draws the viewer in deeper."

All That Glistens: Mixed media

All That Glistens  is one of her many works which incorporate mixed materials. The bead-work on it blew us away and Felicia expanded that it has broken pieces of jewellery from all over the world mixed in to its design.

"I find the processes within my work as fascinating as the finished pieces are each step-laden with the detailed sensuous application of every-day materials denied re-use. Textures are indulgently built up, creating an irresistible temptation to step closer and touch."

Felicia creates in her two floor apartment which doubles up as her studio. We are sure, with her rising reputation that she'll soon have the space of her dreams.

Visit Felicia Charles's exhibition at the Arts Cafe Leeds until Monday September 9th and keep up-to-date with her on twitter.