TOM CHRISTOPHER - BIO & RESUME |
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2003 Writes a column for the Lewisborough Ledger on the business of art.
1982 Works as illustrator for the magazines People, Fortune
and Wall Street Journal as well as court illustrator for CBS Network
News.
1978 Works at Disney in Anaheim, California, USA
2006 THE SERIGRAPH EXHIBIT at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Pound Ridge, NY
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TOM CHRISTOPHER BIOGRAPHY
1983 Tom Christopher writes essays about Computer-art for PC Magazines, and writes a book "MacArt Department" (published by Simon & Schuster) 2008 The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio. Also the J.N. Bartfield Gallery, 30 West 57th St. NYC 2008 The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio. J.N. Bartfield Gallery, 30 West 57th St. NYC 2008 Participates in "Project Runway" and a works on a clothing line for Urban Outfitters and Nordstroms. 2009 "New York is Noir Again" series of black and white paintings for Galerie Tamenaga, Paris, and Galerie Barbara von Stechow, Frankfurt Selected Group Exhibitions 35 years of Printmaking, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, CT 2010 Selected Collections Fondation Colas, Paris |
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ARTIST TOM CHRISTOPHER'S STATEMENT So the painting narrative usually begins with the theme of a solitary figure navigating the streets of a big city. An ill fated hero in a dread infested nightmare world of confidence men and scheming women. The universal theme of man in a modern urban environment. A traveler working his way through a labrynth of glass and steel monoliths, the stage setting for this carnival under a full moon.
And so what is it about today's cities that make them so appealing to young people? So vibrant and alive? Skylines shine like gold, signs whisper come hither, doorways full of promise wink and beckon. Heres where the dream for immigrants can come true. Whether escaping the horrors of Sierra Leone or the stifling reality of Dads dry goods store in Ohio, youve gotten away and The City has hoovered you in.
You can figure it all out, buoyed by your fellow aspirants, youre never really alone. The sounds of ebullient laughter and tinkling ice cubes drift down from Fifth Ave penthouses to drive you on. Hope and optimism abound before the cold reality of a shared apartment and the red Queens #7 train finally set in.
From a background of journalistic drawing for news agencies as a sketch artist Ive learned to observe and capture moments quickly and get as much information down as possible. Taking this approach to the streets, I observe and record with sketchbook and camera An economy of line and expressive color to tell the story. Inspiration comes from Der Blau Rieder and Die Brucke artists with their masterful use of color and their spontaneous direct approach to painting. As a shadow, I also catch bits of conversation. Arguments with foul mouthed dwarfs and comments like: "didn't get fired they gave me one more chance", become titles and work their way into the narrative thread.
Through aggressive and complimentary colors over skeletal black lines Ive tried to get this mood of the city. Point out the beauty of the streets and juxtapose it with the dark underside of American life. Think Matisses goal of a comfy chair for the weary businessman. But with a pit bull hiding in the cushion.
Anxiety comes out in times of deep unrest. Post 9-11, Internet bust, life savings gone, go ahead light a trash fire if it makes you feel better. Contrast and tension play themselves out as wobbly legged pedestrians scoot in front of huge downshifting trash carting trucks.
And New York City with all its beauty and all of its citizens stands as a symbol for every city in the modern world.
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