In my oil paintings, visual elements such as color or texture are prioritized over the representational content following the tradition of the impressionists. Atmosphere and abstraction communicate directly with the emotive subconscious, while the narrative aspects hint at personal symbolism and invite dream-like association. I consider our mind-body-spirit to be an extension of nature's creative energy. The aim of my practice is to polish my own perception into one of personal depth, that can be shared through art and community.
Biography
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Contemporary artist Christopher L Cook (CLCook) b.1991, questions the presence of order and meaning in his work. Whether by nature or nurture, CLCook found the study of perception provocative in early childhood. Raised in the throes of adventure between the California coast and Arizona’s desert, CLCook was an only child who felt a keen sensitivity to the juxtaposition of joy and cruelty around every corner.
Personal and familial conflicts revealed inconsistencies between ideology and practice in his role models, echoed in religion, government, and the broader culture. However, frequent visits to the science center, art museums, and nature contributed to his interest and/or escape into color theory. A desire to further understand both the visual as well as conceptual aspects of human experience, influenced his relationships, education, and many fundamental choices going forward. As a teenager, with close friends, he led a subversive group of humanist guerrilla artists bringing poetry, theater, and visual arts to unsuspecting public spaces. Together they would debate on such topics as how to lead an authentic life, how to manage one’s own domestication, and the role of art. These formative years and motivations, shared by his young cohort, continue to play an integral part in CLCook’s artistic vision. While pursuing a degree in the field of psychology, his self-directed extra curricular studies routinely took precedence over participation in formal curriculum. It did not take long after first picking up oil painting as an elective, to realize his calling into the unconventional life of an artist. His commitment to art grew quickly as he sought out like minded artists to learn from. In 2012, joining the California Art Club fueled opportunities as well as relationships with fellow artists, museums, and collectors. One introduction, to artist David Gallup led to years working closely as David's studio apprentice. This immersive education and friendship has forever shaped CLCook’s sense of design, harmony, and inspiration. Today Christopher is an emerging influencer and internationally collected artist, living in the Pacific North West. He teaches and speaks publicly, with dedication to artistic evolution and personal development within the art community. Through diligent practice and vulnerable expression, CLCook contributes an innovative vision of love from which he believes the world can benefit. EducationDavid C. Gallup Fine Art Apprenticeship
2012 - 2020 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 Working 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 & PublicationsTalent Prize Award
March 2021 Recognized for the painting, Fear in The Nation as part of Art Show International's exhibition titled, How to Remember 2020. Painting 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 Exhibitions2021 - 110th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, Hilbert Museum of California Art, Orange, CA
2021 - Mars: An Artistic Mission, California Art Club, Virtual Gallery 2021 - How to Remember 2020, Art Show International, Virtual Gallery 2021 - WVAG Open Juried Show, Westlake Village Art Guild, Virtual Gallery 2020 - Welcome to California, California Art Club, Virtual Gallery 2020 - A Summer Getaway, American Legacy Fine Arts, Virtual Gallery 2018 - 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 2012 - Rancho Boca De Santa Monica, The Kuruvungna Springs, Los Angeles CA |