The Journey of Recovery and Art: A Conversation with John Charles

This episode features an in-depth conversation with the artist John Charles, who shares his journey from addiction to recovery and how art played a significant role in his transformation. John Charles discusses his upbringing, struggles with addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him to recovery. He reflects on the impact of his art on his life, from starting with Disney paintings to finding his unique style through experimentation. Toni delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of John Charles' artistic process, highlighting the therapeutic nature of painting and the sense of freedom it brings him.  Don't miss out on our special giveaway this week... Head over to @talkswithtonipodcast instagram account for a chance to win a limited addition print by John. Winner announced the 1st of May. Good luck!  KEY TAKEAWAYS John expresses gratitude towards those who have supported and influenced his artistic journey, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the help and guidance received from others. Painting serves as a way for the artist to enter a state of complete freedom and focus, allowing him to be fully present in the moment and escape from other distractions or emotions. John's journey involves experimenting with different styles and influences, ultimately leading to the development of a unique artistic style that sets him apart and garners attention from viewers. He reflects on the parallels between his past struggles with addiction and his current pursuit of artistic fulfillment, suggesting that art has become a meaningful and fulfilling pursuit in his life. John sees art as a lifelong passion and commitment, indicating that painting is not just a hobby or career but an integral part of his identity and purpose. BEST MOMENTS "I feel like that's what I am aiming for, to be able to just sit and maybe have a cup of coffee, but feel nothing, if that makes sense." "I don't think I'll never ever stop painting. I don't know who this quote was by, but I've seen it once and it was, artists don't retire, they simply die." "I feel like I can speak to people better via my art than actually verbally speaking to people. So that's why I paint certain things to kind of pass my message on that way." "I don't take on a lot of commissions anymore either. In the past I would take on, if somebody asked me to paint the dog's arse, I'd paint it." HOST BIO Toni's journey defies the norm. Raised with a strong work ethic and a traditional career path in mind, she initially pursued a corporate job in HR after earning her degree. However, in 2015, everything changed when she attended a property training seminar. Little did she know that this event would ignite a profound passion for property investment. With her husband Chris, Toni raised millions in joint venture finance, creating a multi-million-pound property portfolio. But her story doesn't stop there. By the age of 33, she left her HR job behind to empower others in building their successful property businesses. Toni's passion for public speaking led her to become a world record holder. Beyond the accolades, she sees it as a calling to educate and inspire. Toni hosts training events and uses her "Talks with Toni" podcast to share insights, interview captivating guests, and motivate her audience.