Youngest Female War Artist Chronicles Life in Afghanistan

Charlie Calder-Potts, at just 26 years old, became the youngest female war artist commissioned by the British Army during her time in Afghanistan. Driven by a desire for adventure and an interest in the region’s complex history, she secured a unique opportunity to document life amid conflict in 2013. Her journey led her to various military bases, including the significant Camp Bastion in Helmand Province.

Documenting Conflict from a Unique Perspective

Calder-Potts, an established artist based in London, sought to embed herself with British troops to gain firsthand experience of Afghanistan. She reached out to numerous army regiments until the 9th/12th Royal Lancers agreed to include her in a tour. Despite initial apprehension, her adventurous spirit prevailed, prompting her family to support her decision even as they expressed concern.

Her journey began with a training camp in Dorset, followed by an eye-opening flight in a Chinook helicopter to Camp Bastion. “It was surreal,” she recalls, noting the camp’s size and amenities juxtaposed against a backdrop of conflict. “You’re desperate to get out, but after a couple of days, you’re desperate to get back in to feel that security and safety again.”

Upon her arrival, the UK government’s announcement of troop withdrawal added a layer of complexity to her experience. Many soldiers were waiting to return home, creating a mix of boredom and tension within the camp. Calder-Potts described the atmosphere as one where soldiers performed mundane tasks alongside the looming presence of danger.

Art Amidst Adversity

Throughout her month-long tour, Calder-Potts captured striking images that contrasted the beauty of Afghanistan with the harsh realities of war. One notable photograph depicts a man holding helium balloons against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape. “It provided a slight feeling of hope, which we know now in hindsight was overly optimistic,” she reflected.

Her artistic process involved salvaging materials from military vehicles to create unique pieces that combined photography and painting, emphasizing her connection to the history unfolding around her. The challenges of the environment, including extreme heat and heavy body armor, tested her resilience. “I don’t know how soldiers managed with their ammunition and everything else on their backs,” she noted.

Living conditions posed additional challenges; at one base, she found herself as the only woman among nearly 100 men. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, she felt supported by the soldiers, who were eager to share their experiences and personal stories.

Calder-Potts’ most harrowing moment came as she prepared to leave Afghanistan. Traveling in a convoy back to Helmand, she sensed an unusual silence among the soldiers. Later, she learned that a suicide bomber had targeted their route. “That journey was only half an hour but it felt like forever,” she recounted, highlighting the constant undercurrent of danger faced by those in conflict zones.

Continuing Her Artistic Journey

Although her time as a war artist was brief, Calder-Potts’ career continued to evolve as she explored other conflict zones in Iraq and Syria. More recently, she collaborated with War Child on a project that connected her artistic work to the lyrics of Kate Bush.

Now a mother of two, her focus has shifted towards more peaceful pursuits. She spends her time foraging in the woodlands of Herefordshire to create natural pigments, drawing inspiration from traditional techniques. Calder-Potts is currently working on a project based on the medieval manuscript Tacuinum sanitatis, which emphasizes the importance of herbal remedies and mental health.

Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes the value of understanding different perspectives. “You can never understand a situation until you’re in it,” she stated, expressing respect for the soldiers she encountered and their dedication to one another.

For those interested in supporting children affected by conflict, donations can be made to War Child at warchild.org.uk.