Lynda Charles: A Woman, a Force, Art, and the Muse Itself.

Ifeoma Goodness Charles also known as Lynda Charles is a self-taught Nigerian visual artist born in 1994. She was born in Lagos, Nigeria and she hails from Ebonyi State. In 2024, she received an honourable mention in the 38th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, marking a huge milestone in her career.

Artistic Journey and Inspirations 

Lynda’s artistic journey has been one of evolution and deep self-expression. Initially working with charcoal on paper, she found the medium limiting and sought an avenue that would allow her to convey emotions and details more effectively. This led her to acrylic painting, where she could explore a richer spectrum of expression. Matthew, her partner and collaborator, notes that the introduction of colour into her work has allowed her to evoke specific emotions in her audience. “Certain colours nudge you towards different feelings,” he explains. “Light blue can make you feel calm, while red signifies energy.”

One of Lynda’s most significant pieces, “A Home,” is deeply personal. The artwork features herself and her siblings, representing the strong bond shared among family and close friends. “I wanted to depict the connections that create a sense of belonging,” she shares. Matthew, who was present during the conceptualisation of the piece, adds that its theme extends beyond blood relations. “There are people who become your family, even if you’re not related by blood. They become your home and support system, the ones you turn to when the world feels chaotic.”

Lynda’s work frequently revolves around themes of femininity and empowerment. She acknowledges being labelled a feminist and embraces the identity because her art often highlights women’s voices and experiences. “I want women to be seen and heard,” she states. Matthew affirms this, adding, “If a feminist is someone who believes in women’s right to exist, to live freely, and to forge their own path, then yes, Lynda is a feminist, I am a feminist, and so are you.”

Personal Life and Preferences 

Beyond painting, Lynda maintains an active lifestyle, which she balances with her creative work. Though the energy demands of fitness and art-making can be challenging, she prioritizes both based on her schedule. “Some weeks, she goes to the gym regularly, and sometimes work takes precedence,” Matthew notes. “The important thing is to not be afraid of rough tides. Do what you can when you can.”

Photography plays a crucial role in Lynda’s artistic process. She enjoys taking her own reference photos, and meticulously planning model arrangements, lighting, and angles before beginning a new piece. Music is another essential element of her creative space. “Lana Del Rey’s songs inspire me,” she reveals. “Her music is deeply reflective, and whenever I listen to it, I create magic.” Matthew agrees, citing the emotional depth of her songs, particularly “Tough” featuring Quavo, which embodies grief, acceptance, and resilience.”

If given the chance to collaborate with any artist, Lynda would choose the dancer Korra Obidi. “I love her energy and her fearless self-expression,” she says. Matthew envisions this collaboration as a storytelling piece, where Lynda would capture a defining moment in Korra’s life and transform it into art. “Korra has had a lot of experiences that make her the bold and confident person she is. If she’s reading this, let’s make it happen!”

Lynda’s artworks often carry profound emotional weight. Her piece “A Source” explores the mother-daughter bond, a relationship she longed for growing up. If she could step into any of her paintings for a day, she would choose this one, immersing herself in its warmth and completeness.

Her passion for storytelling extends beyond human relationships to her connection with animals. She owns three pets; Thunder, Storm, and Zimba- and is currently working on a series that explores friendships between humans and animals. “They are more than just pets; they are companions who keep you company on lonely nights,” she shares.

Lynda has also experimented with unconventional mediums, including pop art on fabrics such as jeans, tote bags, and sneakers. “It was a fun phase where we customized a lot of our clothes,” Matthew recalls.

Despite her artistic success, Lynda’s background is in science. She holds a degree in Applied Biology and started creating art in 2018, with her first exhibition in 2022. That debut collection delved into themes of domestic abuse, poverty, and starvation. These were topics she felt compelled to highlight as they reflect the harsh realities of Nigeria. “Once I create, I feel better knowing that I’m putting these issues out there,” she says. Matthew adds that her work often draws from personal experiences, particularly those of being a woman in a complex world. “Life isn’t just roses and sunshine,” he states. “Lynda reaches into herself, bringing out both pain and beauty. Her art tells stories that need to be told.”

Throughout the interview, Matthew played an active role in articulating Lynda’s thoughts, helping translate her ideas into words that resonate. Their collaboration, both in life and in art, paints a picture of mutual understanding, creativity, and shared vision.