In the spirit of the impressionists, my oil paintings prioritize color theory and texture over representational content. Abstract choices are made to communicate directly with the emotive subconscious, while I select narrative aspects for their personal symbolism and to invoke dream-like association. Each painting begins intuitively, often inspired by live observation, and is increasingly explored for meaning that will guide its own creation. I am mindful of my experience, capturing the interplay of motion and memory with the present moment. The aim of my practice is to polish my own perception into one of intimate depth, that I may contribute through art and community.
Biography
Christopher L Cook (b.1991) grew up between the California coast and Arizona’s desert as an only-child. Frequent visits to science centers, art museums, and exploring nature contributed to his fascination with color theory among other interests. Acutely attentive to the conflicts of adults, a safe dissociative space of self expression was discovered in creative activity. However, the persistent desire to comprehend conceptual dimensions of the human experience, combined with the consoling quality of the arts, fundamentally directed critical life decisions, education, and relationships.
A profound connection to the study of perception that developed in early childhood, blossomed during his teenage years. With close friends, he led a subversive group of humanist guerrilla artists. They brought poetry, theater, and visual arts to unsuspecting public spaces. Together they would contend with topics such 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 fuel his artistic vision. While at college studying psychology, his self-directed extra curricular pursuits routinely took precedence over formal curriculum. It did not take long after picking up oil painting, to confirm his calling into the unconventional life of an artist. CLCook found community and guidance through the California Art Club, where he encountered influential artists, displayed at respected museums, and gained loyal collectors. In particular, years of immersive education provided by artist David Gallup empowered Cook’s sense of design, harmony, and concept. Their time as mentor and apprentice, developed into a pivotal friendship. Using diverse tools, from squeegees to kitchen utensils, he creates surfaces layered with texture. Boundaries dissolve between objects and their environment, as CLCook explores memory's role in the present moment, and embraces multiple perspectives. Drawing inspiration from personal development psychologists, spiritual philosophers, and past artistic movements, Cook's artwork distinctly provokes introspection. He invites viewers to navigate the complex landscape of meaning and uncover their own truths. Today Christopher is an internationally collected artist, living in the Pacific North West. He teaches and speaks on artistic evolution and personal development. CLCook motivates individuals to tap into their own creative nature and surround themselves with thought-provoking artwork. Above all, through diligent practice and vulnerable expression, he contributes an innovative vision of love from which 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 |