The aim of my work is guiding viewers in recognition of their personal depth and oneness with nature’s beauty. I consider our mind-body-spirit to be an extension of nature's creative energy and my goal is to connect with this energy, to produce artwork of timeless quality and innovative concept.
Biography
|
Contemporary artist Christopher L. Cook (b. 1991) experienced childhood in the diverse magnificence of the California coast and Arizona's desert when he began creating as a path of self-discovery. By following the enthusiasm of his inner child essence, Christopher has led a life rich with exploration and preserved his intrinsically artistic nature.
During high school his works of art in charcoal and ceramics were first publicly acknowledged and displayed prominently at the Chandler Center for the Arts. At that time, with close friends, he led a group of humanist guerrilla artists bringing poetry, theater, and visual arts to unsuspecting public spaces. While at college pursuing psychology, his artistic passion was applied to oil painting as an elective under the teaching of J.D. Parrish. Further realizing the psychological and philosophical aspects of creative expression Christopher became enchanted by paint and wholly dedicated his time and intention to oil painting. Shortly after this affirmation, the philosophical teachings of artist Stefan Baumann and The Grand View Art Society captivated his imagination with possibilities. Stefan's mentorship brought Christopher's imaginative style outdoors developing his plein air skills. Subsequent to joining the California Art Club (CAC) in 2012, he began apprenticing under the tutelage of artist David Gallup. Working with David in studio and in plein air has forever shaped his sense for color, design and harmony. By virtue of the continued mentorship of both Baumann and Gallup, and enhanced by his attentive personal observation, Christopher has experienced quantum leaps in his artistic development. Currently a Mentor Program Member of CAC and an internationally collected artist, it is his intention to diligently practice lifelong creative virtuosity, and contribute his vision of inspiration, love, and impeccability from which he believes the world can benefit. EducationDavid C. Gallup Fine Art Apprenticeship
2012 - 2019 Full time art training with emphasis on contemporary oil painting technique, art jurying, visual presentation of artwork, brand development, communication of technique and philosophy. Master Artist Workshops & Critiques 2011 - 2019 Student and often working assistant under the attentive guidance of renowned artists including Stefan Baumann, Jim McVicker, Michael Obermeyer and Matt Smith. Also assimilating professional advice and critical analysis from such revered individuals as Peter and Elaine Adams, John Asaro, George Carlson, Quang Ho, Carolyn Lord, Dan Pinkham and Eric Rhoads. |
Honors & PublicationsPainting California: Seascapes and Beach Towns
October 2017 A Skira Rizzoli publication with essays by Jean Stern, Executive Director of The Irvine Museum Collection; and Molly Siple, author of numerous books and articles; with the forward by Elaine Adams, CAC’s Executive Director and CEO. Southwest Art Magazine September 2016 Interviewed and featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s cover story article 21 Under 31 Young Artists to Collect Now. PleinAir Magazine August 2016 Announced as “Best Artist Under 30” in PleinAir Magazine’s PleinAir Salon Winners. Art Muse Award April 2016 Awarded “Emerging Artist Winner” by renowned artist Kim Lordier. Highlighting the Younger Set at the Gold Medal Spring 2016 Article by Molly Siple in the CAC Newsletter Exhibitions2018 - A Collector's Feast,
American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena CA 2018 - 107th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, Natural History Museum, Los Angeles, CA 2018 - On Location in Malibu, Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Malibu CA 2018 - A Journey Along the California Coast, California Art Club Gallery at The Old Mill, San Marino CA 2017 - Fleeting Moments - Works En Plein Air, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena CA 2017 - Golden State Splendor, Santa Paula Art Museum, Santa Paula CA 2017 - 106th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, Autry National Center Museum, Burbank, CA 2017 - The Plein Air Perspective, Millard Sheets Art Center, Pomona CA 2016 - Reflections in Water, Saint Mary's College Museum of Art, Moraga CA 2016 - The Old Mill: Celebrating Two Centuries, California Art Club Gallery at The Old Mill, San Marino CA 2016 - 105th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, Autry National Center Museum, Burbank, CA 2016 - Art In A Free Society, San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center, Tarzana CA 2016 - Traversing the Globe, California Art Club Gallery at The Old Mill, San Marino CA 2015 - On Location in Malibu, Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Malibu CA 2013 - Grand View Art Society, Central Art Supply, Medford OR 2012 - Rancho Boca De Santa Monica, The Kuruvungna Springs, Los Angeles CA 2010 - (Title Unknown), Chandler Center for The Arts, Chandler AZ |