Artist Statement:
I most often work with acrylic paint on canvas, board or paper to create my impression of the absence of thought. For me, the creative process is about being centered in the moment. I see my work as an exposition of meditation, an exploration through emptiness. They are unconscious paintings that are empty of any particular form; with out specificity they are simply abstract renderings of the mind. My paintings offer me an analog interaction with art that contrasts with the digital production that is my photographic process. I get to touch and feel with my hands the creation of the art when painting. I often feel as if it is not my own hand that is moving the paint, but rather the hands of previous lifetimes. I realize that each work is my mind creating an illusion that I can share. The canvas and paint only serve as a delivery vehicle transporting that illusion to the viewer.
My technique is as abstract as the finished work itself. I use a variety of tools including brushes, knives and squeegees to place the paint upon the substrate. I custom make the large squeegees from wood and acrylic sheets to fit the dimensions of the canvas or board. I begin each work by building up multiple layers of paint onto the substrate. Paint is then removed from specific layers in selected areas. Many layers are rubbed down, sanded or scraped until the majority of the paint is removed. This process is repeated with some layers being applied in a wet fashion to create a fluid effect, while others are applied dry creating definition and contrast.
Each painting is a journey to an unknown destination. The process is an enjoyable one that creates excitement and brings to me much happiness. I most enjoy never knowing how each painting will look when finished. I simply paint until I feel that each particular work is complete, the emptiness in my mind has been reached, and the newly created work is ready to be born unto the world.
Education:
Christopher holds a Bachelor of Art degree from the University of Mary Washington and a Professional Photography degree from the New York Institute of Photography.
Awards & Distinctions:
Panel Judge, FLAR Magazine, Vol.4 Issue 2, Fall 2016
Panel Judge, FLAR Magazine, Vol.4 Issue 1, Spring 2016
Cover Artist, Rappahanock Magazine, May 2015 Vol. 1 Issue 8
Seth Casana, “Gallery”, Whurk Magazine, Issue 12, February 2014.
Jessica Koers, “Arts: Winter’s Beauty Inspires Liberty Town Exhibit”, The Free Lance Star, February 5th, 2014.
Rob Grogan, “Slices”, Front Porch Magazine, January 2014.
Rinus Bakker, “BTP Top Photo Gallery Selection” January 17, 2014
Nicole Gruber, “Best Top Photographer Gallery, Editor’s Choice” September 25, 2013
Jack Stepanyan, “Best Top Photographer Gallery, Editor’s Choice” September 21, 2013
Exhibitions:
Artist's Selections
Solo Exhibit, The Departure Proofs
The Betty on Davis, Richmond, VA
September 2016
All Media Show
"All Media" Members Show
Crossroads Art Center, Richmond, VA
July- September 2017
2015 September Invitational Show "Limbrick Cubed"
Liberty Town, Fredericksburg, VA
Curated by Dolores and Kenneth Lecky, Christina Bendo
2014 December Group Show, “All Media” Member’s Show
Liberty Town, Fredericksburg, VA
2014 October Group Show, “Fear”, National Juried
Exhibition
Juried by Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue
Liberty Town, Fredericksburg, VA
2014 February Group Show, “All Media”, Regional Juried
Exhibition, Juried by Karen Stinnett
Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts,
Fredericksburg, VA
2014 February Solo Exhibition, “Proof Positive”
Bistro Bethem, Fredericksburg, VA
2014 February Group Show, “Frozen”, National Juried Exhibition
Juried by Jon McMillan
Liberty Town, Fredericksburg, VA
2013 September Group Show, “Story of the Creative”, Invitational
See Gallery and Exposition Center
New York City, NY
Artistic Influences:
Jane Wilson, Gerhard Richter, Joseph Turner
Artist Tags:
abstract, acrylic, landscape, nature, ethereal, element
