Chris studied at the Vancouver School of Art under Don Jarvis, a student of Hans Hofmann. Hofmann taught PUSH-PULL, a philosophy about the balance of forces and elements that are in a relationship. This philosophy is always present in the work, which is evolving into a kind of nature-based expressionism inspired by the West Coast of Canada.
“I cannot compete with nature, but I can attempt to add to it.”
My goal as a painter has always been to simply express. Nature is the source of that expression. I look for the gesture in nature. It is this dominant line of movement and structure that all the elements in a painting will be based upon. By taking apart (abstracting) the components of the subject; then rebuilding making systematic logical choices, and at the same time using memory, intuition and invention, a result of clear expression can be attained.
From nature I find direction. Colours and lines seen or felt, are expressed as an almost infinite array of notes, harmonies and rhythms. From these references my paintings are formed.
Chris spent most of his life in British Columbia and currently lives and works just south of Vancouver in Richmond, B.C.
The images are presented chronologically. However there are themes and directions that run through from early on to the present. Along with the paintings themselves some titles give reference to certain series and approaches.
Concordance signalling harmony, a sense of the elements in a painting working together.
FF….. Could be Freefall, Flower Form, Forest Form or Field Form.
There are more.