Photo Courtesy Hugo Teixeira
Actively creative from early childhood. Christopher has been constructing worlds of his own as far back as he can remember. No stranger to dabbling at many forms of expression; Collage, Diorama, Drawing, Painting and Woodworking to name a few.
It wasn’t until the age of 22, that he decided to pick up a paintbrush and with limited formal training, began creating portraits of which he described as a “Post Modern Film Noir” style. Some of the pieces included, desperate people in dark places and drawings inspired by classic films. The compositions received acclaim in small circuits throughout New York City, but his heart was in film work. So, he decided to sell all of the designs and moved to Hollywood, California; where he worked on various art departments in film production. Gaining professional experience on everything from music videos, commercials, independent and mainstream films. At the time his talents were focused on other peoples’ projects, this left him feeling uninspired to pursue his own artistic endeavors and for several years he stopped painting altogether.
Fast-Forward some 20 years to the present. Living back in New York and having reclaimed a love for art. He creates, purely as a form of expression. It offers a window of freedom to reflect on life and the world around him. Working with mediums such as Collage, Digital and Fine art, he has found a balance that satisfies his need to be constructive. Outside of creating works of his own, Christopher is the driving force behind the art blog Ladder & Key.com. Interviewing artists weekly, posting about upcoming events and helping to spread the word on the art world around the globe for almost a decade.
Recent interview conducted by the PAC (Paterson Arts Council) dated 5/17/18
Q: Where were you raised? Can you paint a picture of your childhood?
Christopher: I grew up in a blue-collar household in the suburbs of a white-collar town in Northern New Jersey just outside of Manhattan. My mother worked a day shift as a seamstress, my father was a night-time foreman for a tour bus company. Mostly raised by my grandmother, she made sure we had everything we needed, but it was my uncles who gave me my first exposure to NYC and the arts.
Q: Did you always create art as a kid, or did you come to it later in life?
Christopher: I have always had a big inner-world and an overactive imagination. I created on every level as a child; If we wanted to play bank robbers, I built a security system panel out of an old shoe box that we’d have to bypass in order to reach the make-believe safe. If my toys were going to be soldiers, I’d enlist my mom into sewing miniature uniforms for them. Even as a child I had a need to see the artistic vision in my mind become a three-dimensional reality. I’ve never stopped creating.
Q: Which artists have influenced your work? Why and how?
Christopher: I love Pierre Bonnard’s work. I wish I had the ability of George Copeland Ault coupled with the Jazz of Stuart Smith. I love provocative imagery – anything that arrests ones attention, like when you walk through a gallery and are unexpectedly drawn-in by a piece. In my own work, that has become an eternal search to find just the right imagery, partnered with just enough symbolism, set in the right color palette or texture, to magnetize an audience and capture that attention.
Q: Any other influences (people, places, ideas)?
Christopher: Travel has been a huge influence. I’m blessed that I have had the opportunity to travel extensively. Creatively it’s allowed me to see and meet artists around the world. Outside of that I look at art endlessly for the website I run www.LadderandKey.com. Everything has a seeping influence. I’ve found inspiration in many of the now 331* artists we have interviewed and I’m continually motivated by their responses. It’s a weekly revelation to carry on making art.
Q: Tell me about your practice—how do you generate ideas, what medium do you use?
Christopher: I take ideas from people, places, things, photographs, a slogan or catch-phrase. I load the concepts into Photoshop as a raw idea, smash it all together into some interesting combination, then print it out, draw it on a canvas, and paint it. I’m not afraid to mix mediums -whatever gets the point across best and doesn’t make the message derivative.
Q: Is your art more concept-driven or image-driven?
Christopher: I‘m somewhere in the middle. I vacillate between a concept-driven image and something that to me is striking and provocative to the viewer. The struggle has always been finding the right balance.
Q: Why do you make the art you make?
Christopher: Because I need a medium for my creative energy. I’ve often said that I was yelled at a lot as a kid – high expectations and all that – so I don’t know how to sit still. There is a level of truth in that. I’d love to just sit, and exist, and do absolutely nothing! I am completely incapable of it though. Maybe I remain active from a mix of volatile inner inertia made up of childhood guilt that I’m not trying hard enough, that I must do more(?)…I don’t know ask my therapist.
Q: Does your art influence your life, and vice versa?
Christopher: Without a question it does. I don’t employ a persona that is “just one thing” all day long. With so many hats to wear, art influences everything I do. I’m an eccentric. I’m a painter. A slap-tagger. A father. And I vacuum with panache.
Q: What do you think about the notion “the lonely artist”?
Christopher: I’m not built like that. I love people. I’m an agitator by nature. I talk to strangers. I love reaction. My art wouldn’t exist without the interpersonal-interaction. I’m not lonely or alone, and my art is an extension of that.
Q: Does your art connect you to the world in some way, or does it help you navigate the world?
Christopher: My art is how I process through our world. Talking to strangers, hearing their stories, provoking a reaction from them, and being able to capture that, encapsulate it with my art, is how I connect. Certainly, that makes my art a direct result of my reactions and perceptions – and a viewpoint I want to share. To create and exercise thoughts and processes past my own lens, is part of what helps me navigate a lot of what I see.
Q: Do you make art for yourself or other people?
Christopher: I make art for a reaction. If I paint a portrait, I want to draw you in to the beauty of the person or their pain. I want the viewer to see it through my lens, my perception, especially if it challenges and provokes them. I don’t think I would be making art if I couldn’t incite a reaction.
Q: What purpose do you think art serves today?
Christopher: Now, more than ever, we must endeavor to create. This world demands our voices and visions to influence change – on whichever side of the aisle you take your stand. Art is the embodiment of that voice, holding a mirror to reflect our progression.
*Updated 9/21/18
CV GALLERY EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS, SOLO SHOWS:
Art of Fashion, Chelsea Hotel – NYC, NY
May 24th, 2011
Curator: John McMullen
Ubushobozi Fund Raiser, Sheep Station – Brooklyn, NY
June 10th, 2011
Event Coordinator Betsy Todd
Group Show, J’DA Residence – NYC, NY
June 23rd, 2011 – July 23rd, 2011
Curator: Stella Lillig
Art of Fashion “Passions of Style”, Chelsea Hotel – NYC, NY
June 29th, 2011
Curator: John McMullen
Antagonist Movement, Niagra Bar – NYC, NY
June 30th, 2011
Curator: Shannon Daugherty
RawArtist “Illuminare”, La Pomme – NYC, NY
July 28th, 2011
Curator: Dawn Walsh
Group Show, HIS daughterStudio – Huntsville, AL
September 17th, 2011- October 22nd, 2011
Curator: Amanda Lyle Dunn
Onefive4gallery Group Show, Northern Soul – Hoboken, NJ
September 19th, 2011 – October 16th, 2011
Curator: Cassie Opia
Group Show, Mac Worthington Gallery – Columbus, OH
October 1st, 2011 – November 1st, 2011
Curators: Mac Worthington/Tony Boring
Antagonist Movement, Niagra Bar – NYC, NY
October 13th, 2011
Curator: Shannon Daughtery
Group Show, Gallery 122 – West Arcadia, FL
October 22nd, 2011 – December 22nd, 2011
Curator: Marc Washicheck
Group Show, NRG Gallery llc – Columbus, OH
October 22nd, 2011 – December 22nd, 2011
Curator: Nicholas Gonzalez
4+Elements Exhibition, Prince George Ballroom – NYC, NY
November 1st, 2011 – December 1st, 2011
Curator: Stella Lillig
Art of Fashion Event, Peter Louis Gallery – NYC, NY
November 11th, 2011
Curators: Peter Louis, John McMullen
Billups Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser, 3rd & Lindsley – Nashville, TN
November 28th, 2011
Curator: Anthony Billups
Art of Fashion “Candy Rock Couture” Event, Chrystie 141 – NYC, NY
December 16th, 2011
Curator: John McMullen
Art Connections 8, George Segal Gallery – Montclair, NJ
January 22nd, 2012 – February 18th, 2012
Curator: Teresa Rodriguez
Viewpoints 2012, Ben Shaun Galleries – Wayne, NJ
March 26th, 2012 – April 20th, 2012
Curator: Alexandra Schwartz
Emotions Expressions of the Human Soul, Le Salon d’Art – NYC, NY
May 3rd, 2012 – June 2nd, 2012
Curator: Hans Kerremans
BKC Eastcoast Sticker Show 2, Ivyhouse Studio – Brooklyn, NY
June 12th, 2012
Curator: BKC Crew
Street Smart Arts, Punk Milk – Melbourne Australia
July 7th, 2012 – July 18th, 2012
Curator: Justine Milburn
The Crow Show, Shoe Factory Art Co-op – Rochester, NY
August 3rd, 2012 – August 29th, 2012
Curator: Beth Brown
Stickem’ Up 3, Orange Studios – Orlando, FL
September 8th, 2012
Curator: Edward Seymour
In wall we trust (International Street Art Exhibition II) – Airola Italy
September 29th, 2012 – September 30th, 2012
Curator: Domenico Naf-mk Tirino
1 ComboLoko, Festival Sem Paredes Juiz De Fora Brazil
October 15th, 2012
Curator: Cão Lopes
Stick or Treat, Home:bass – Portland, OR
October 31st, 2012
Curators: Skam Sticker, Rx Skulls
Sticky Fingaz, Elderado Clothing – Perth W. Australia
October 31st, 2012 – November 1st, 2012
Curator: Post It Sticker Exchange and BKC Crew Australia
Ignorant Art III, C.I.A. – Los Angeles, CA
November 2nd, 2012
Curator: Ignorant Art
Sticker Jam 2012, GhostGallery – Sao Paulo Brazil
November 2nd, 2012
Curator: Alxdr71
Slapocalypse Part 2, Chopsticks Urban Art Space – Oakland, CA
December 8th, 2013
Curator: Chopsticks Urban Art Space
Art Connections 9, George Segal Gallery – Montclair, NJ
January 8th, 2013 – February 9th, 2013
Curator: Victor Davson
Dead of Winter Art Show, The Gin Mill – Kearny, NJ
January 12th, 2013
Curator: Suzy Von Q
2nd Annual Members Arts Group Invitational, Rouge Space – Chelsea NYC, NY
February 7th, 2013
Curator: John McMullan
Ruffianism Sticker Show 2, Tijuana BD Mexico
February 23rd, 2013
Curator: Le Ruffian
Urban Area, F.Delpino Italy
June 18th, 2013
Curator: Standard574 in Assoc w/Adna Collettivo
Stick of It All vol.4, Bilbao Spain
June 29th, 2013
Curator: Vida Looka
Melting Pop, Firenze Italy
June 30th, 2013
Curator: Stelleconfuse Tree
Becoming Whole, The Fine Grind – Little Falls, NJ
July 2nd, 2013
Curator: Christopher Priority
Urban Up, Leipzig/Germany
July 26th, 2013
Curators: Rude Leipzig & Chico De La Kaos
Stuck 3, Rolling Stock Gallery – Fort Lauderdale, FL
July 27th, 2013
Curator: Rolling Stock Gallery
DCSS, The Fridge – Washington D.C.
August 3rd, 2013
Curator: Iwillnot Art
Inglorious Vandals 2, Gift2gab – San Jose, CA
December 15th, 2013
Curator: Gift2Gab
AutoGraff, The Esplanade Hotel St Kilda – VIC, Australia
February 23rd, 2014
Curator: Punk Milk
ComboLoko,II Festival – Sem Paredes Juiz De Fora Brazil
February 23rd, 2014
Curator: Cão Lopes
MONSTER POSTER & STICK’AZZ 2, 167B St – San Donato Di Lecce, Italy
March 2014
Curator: Francesco Luceri
Cola Aqui! Stick Here, International Urban Art Expo – São Paulo/SP Brazil
March 28th, 2014
Curator: Andre Brazil
Sticker Nerds 3, Portland, OR
March 29th, 2014
Curators: Skam Sticker, DoctorRasterbator Sticker and Rx Skulls
SLAPocalypse THREE, Chopsticks UAS – Oakland, CA
March 29th, 2014
Curator: Chopsticks Urban Art Space
STICKER SHOCK, Winchester, CA
April 12th, 2014
Curators: We R. Fuxus and Art N Delia
Stick Around, Budapest, Romania
April 19th, 2014
Curator: Creaturi Dragute
HMNI, WestSyde – Sydney, Australia
May 1st, 2014
Curator: Darren Kalis
Viewpoints 2014, alijira – Newark, NJ
June 7th, 2014 – June 30th, 2014
Curator: Sue Scott
Paterson ArtWalk 2014, Art Factory – Paterson, NJ
June 14th, 2014 – June 15th, 2014
Curator: Matt Gosser
Pop Up in Pawtucket, Lorraine Mills – Pawtucket, RI
September 20th, 2014
Curator: Beck Lane
Paterson Art Walk 2015, Art Factory – Paterson, NJ
June 13th, 2015 – June 14th, 2015
Curator: Matt Gosser
DC Street Sticker Expo 2.0, The Fridge – Washington D.C.
July 18th, 2015
Curator: iwillknott
DC Street Sticker EXPO 3.0, The Fridge – Washington D.C.
November 8th, 2016
Curator: iwillknott
The Sticker Show, Offbeat – Jackson, MI
July 13th, 2018
Curator: Will Brooks
Families Belong Together Fundraiser, Studio 307 Mana Contemporary – Jersey City, NJ
July 18th, 2018
Curators: Asha Ganpat & Amina Ahmed
Blend Festival, Ost-Stern – Frankfurt, Germany
July 29th, 2018
Curator: Erik Krieger
Out of Step, ArtWorks Trenton – Trenton, NJ
September 22, 2018
Curator: The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market
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PUBLICATIONS
Catapult- Mag, Issue 2, Owner/ Editor Thena Cartright
The Vein, October 2011 Issue, Editor Jami Kali
Art Buzz, 2012 Collection, Founder/ Director Tony Blue
Catapult- Mag, Issue 8, Owner/ Editor Thena Cartright
