Roots
PainterChris first started painting using oils in 2005. He is mostly a self-taught artist, however, in 2007, he attended two Berkeley City College painting classes. He studied under Judi Pettite. While taking Introduction to Painting and Intermediate Painting, Chris learned to use acrylics.
Chris enjoys painting all types of subject matter, but his favorites are painting organic objects and nature, from trees to flowers and landscapes to sunsets. One way of recycling that Chris revels in is upcycling. He takes old pieces of furniture that are about to be thrown out and uses them as canvases. He finds great satisfaction in turning a piece of garbage into a painted treasure. In 2012, Chris painted a wedding present for his best friend, Grace, and her fiance, Phu Nguyen.
He started off with the top of a broken table. He removed the paint and sanded down the surface. He then rounded the corners.
Next, he painted the background in layers of acrylic.
He learned how to write "Welcome" in Korean, French, and Vietnamese. Grace is Korean, Phu is Vietnamese and he also speaks French. They have travelled to and love France. Chris wanted to give them a gift that was a blend of their roots.
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PotterIn high school, Chris took an Introduction to Ceramics class. He enjoyed it so much that he told himself that he would one day take another Ceramics class or join a studio where he could practice pottery.
In 2013, after living in Somerville, Massachusetts for two years, Chris finally decided to enroll in independent study at the Mudflat Pottery School. He went to this converted theatre space once or twice a week to work on wheel-thrown and hand-built pieces. He likes making small cups and dishes.
Glossy glazes are good for dishes for eating because they are easier to clean and leak proof.
Matte glazes are ideal for planting pots because they allow the roots to breath. The matte finish is permeable and lets water seep out. |
San Diego, California