Chris Wake
I starting painting & sculpting in my youth as soon discovered I loved "losing myself" in my art. I had a serious car accident in 1994 and although I have been painting all my young adult life it was after my near death experience that was the catalyst to take my art practice to a professional level.
A recurring theme in my work is global warming, we party on ignoring the truth and the animals at the gathering are trying to get our attention.
I plan each painting for some time, mulling over new ideas for weeks before I actually start painting. I often sketch my proposed paintings first and then start working on a new canvas committing to paint in a somewhat lose style. This gives me freedom to change and create and the painting develops. I am trained in a traditional, academic style but now choose to paint in a narrative/surrealist genre.
"As an artist, I am compelled to go beyond a purely decorative visual connection between the artist and viewer, to a place where my work is a catalyst of discussion, challenge, or humour. My work engages the viewer and I am fascinated by individuals reactions and interpretations"
