Michael Christopher
Ascension, 2010, 8' X 3'
Artist Statement
My rationale in artistic production leads me to explore art of antiquity. I-generally-have a going back to the source tendency when searching for concepts to further. I tend to gravitate towards art that exhibits complexity, detail and avoidance of realistic depiction. Markedly, the art of Mesoamerica, Maya art specifically, speaks to me. Moreover, as a native Texan I revere the cultural bond we share with Mexico and the Americas: we remain culturally and geographically partnered.
My current body of work draws from the various Maya cultures and most specifically the steles of the highland and lowland Maya cultures collectively. The iconography of my sculptures originate from my drawings. I ‘see’ the potentialities and further their emergence. It remains essentially drawing and my choice of tools facilitates a rich complex surface abundant in textual information.
My use of neon creates an interesting juxtaposition. The ‘coolness’ of the metal in concert with warm neon lighting facilitates an interesting partnership. Exploring the past, coupled with modern materials and practices, stimulates my artistic sensibilities. Additionally, I have a passion for exploring processes. My work in intaglio printmaking, large format film, neon and bronze casting illustrate my interest in process extensive art forms. In accord, I live for the journey of exploration and discovery.
Education: BFA-printmaking-Southern Methodist University 2010.
Dallas County Community Colleges Aug. 2005-2008
Apprentice under John H. Slocum 1990-92. Neon Specialist
Teaching Experience: Assistant. Ed Waldrum’s School of Neon. 2004
Awards: Full Scholarship Southern Methodist University
List of Distinction Honor Student Southern Methodist University
Exploration Grant: Investigating Guatemala
Selected Exhibitions:
2010 Ideaman Studios. Transformation through Destruction solo exhibition
Dallas, TX. Self-curated.
University of Dallas, Printmakers and their Professors, Irving, TX.
Spring Show, Doolin Art Gallery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
2009 Daimler Financial Systems, Experiencing Perspectives, Ft. Worth, TX
Craighead Green Gallery, New Texas Talent, Dallas, TX. Group Show
Doolin Art Gallery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Group Show.
Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group Show
2008 Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show
2006 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Plush, Dallas, TX. Group show
Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show
2005 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
2004 Irving Blvd.Gallery Dallas, TX. Group show.
2003 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
2002 500X, Dallas, TX. Group show.
My rationale in artistic production leads me to explore art of antiquity. I-generally-have a going back to the source tendency when searching for concepts to further. I tend to gravitate towards art that exhibits complexity, detail and avoidance of realistic depiction. Markedly, the art of Mesoamerica, Maya art specifically, speaks to me. Moreover, as a native Texan I revere the cultural bond we share with Mexico and the Americas: we remain culturally and geographically partnered.
My current body of work draws from the various Maya cultures and most specifically the steles of the highland and lowland Maya cultures collectively. The iconography of my sculptures originate from my drawings. I ‘see’ the potentialities and further their emergence. It remains essentially drawing and my choice of tools facilitates a rich complex surface abundant in textual information.
My use of neon creates an interesting juxtaposition. The ‘coolness’ of the metal in concert with warm neon lighting facilitates an interesting partnership. Exploring the past, coupled with modern materials and practices, stimulates my artistic sensibilities. Additionally, I have a passion for exploring processes. My work in intaglio printmaking, large format film, neon and bronze casting illustrate my interest in process extensive art forms. In accord, I live for the journey of exploration and discovery.
Education: BFA-printmaking-Southern Methodist University 2010.
Dallas County Community Colleges Aug. 2005-2008
Apprentice under John H. Slocum 1990-92. Neon Specialist
Teaching Experience: Assistant. Ed Waldrum’s School of Neon. 2004
Awards: Full Scholarship Southern Methodist University
List of Distinction Honor Student Southern Methodist University
Exploration Grant: Investigating Guatemala
Selected Exhibitions:
2010 Ideaman Studios. Transformation through Destruction solo exhibition
Dallas, TX. Self-curated.
University of Dallas, Printmakers and their Professors, Irving, TX.
Spring Show, Doolin Art Gallery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
2009 Daimler Financial Systems, Experiencing Perspectives, Ft. Worth, TX
Craighead Green Gallery, New Texas Talent, Dallas, TX. Group Show
Doolin Art Gallery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Group Show.
Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group Show
2008 Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show
2006 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Plush, Dallas, TX. Group show
Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show
2005 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
2004 Irving Blvd.Gallery Dallas, TX. Group show.
2003 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
2002 500X, Dallas, TX. Group show.
