Whimsical work by Canadian artist Christopher Hall conveys a joyful sense of humor and a studied interpretation of his surroundings. The use of birds as subject matter began as a vehicle for color in the composition, using their colors as a basis to build a palette. Hall's work has since evolved to infuse the real with graphic surrealism: the juxtaposition of the natural world and abstractions of their environments. He paints things that amuse him and bring joy, and in the end, Hall hopes that the viewer can share in a brief moment of happiness. We interviewed Christopher to learn more about his practice, inspirations, and what he is working on today.
What does your creative day look like, and what inspires you to make art?
My creative day usually begins around 6 am, not that the creative part ever really sleeps. I usually start with a cup of black coffee and scroll the socials, emails, etc. Most mornings begin with my good morning posts on Instagram, where I superimpose my face into any number of photos from the internet. I have been posting almost daily for 4 years. These images are meant to inspire a small amount of humour for my followers. I then generally move into working on whatever painting is on my easel until my dogs are ready to go out. After a break for the dogs and breakfast, I will move back into painting, or design work if I'm not motivated to paint. On certain days I also entertain tattoo clients, so my shift focuses on drawing and tattooing.
Many things inspire my work, but I think the actual act of painting allows me to subconsciously focus on other things, so in a way it's meditative and cathartic. It’s an act of devotion, a challenge and a way to give myself structure that I understand.
Tell us more about your art studio.
My studio shares the living room/dining room of our apartment, so it's generally not what one might consider the preconceived studio space. People generally reflect on the gallery wall that displays work collected between my wife and me from many local artists. Someone might lean that I am a lover of art, and that I enjoy a relatively tidy space, but that's not necessarily reflective of my entire life.
My setup is generally super minimal. Easy to pack away for tattoo clients or for company. I don't rely on a lot of supplies. An easel, palette, rinse cup, brushes, paint and paper towels.
How did you get interested in your medium?
My interest in painting in acrylics stemmed from my college room/class mate in college for graphic design. Bill was an exceptional illustrator and painter. He created beautiful realism, and in the next breath, he'd switch to the dynamic, kooky surrealist paintings. Something in how and what he did inspired me to rise to the challenge of painting. My setup is generally super minimal. Easy to pack away for tattoo clients or for company. I don't rely on a lot of supplies. An easel, palette, rinse cup, brushes, paint and paper towels.
Describe your style in one sentence.
My style is bold symbolic imagery that strikes a graphic contrast between whimsy and shadow.
Has your style changed over time?
Multiple times over the years. I have been painting for 30-plus years. During that time, it has been well seasoned by different mediums and inspirations. Most of my tattoo career of 26 years I spent working with liquid watercolor and acrylic on paper, emulating tattoo designs of the past. During and post covid, I have been honing my skills and style with acrylics.
What are your main artistic tools?
My iPad, using Procreate, for initial design and composition work. Paintbrushes, predominantly filberts and rounds.
Do you experience creativity blocks, and how do you stay positive and inspired?
I don't have too many creative blocks; I have almost the extreme opposite problem. Most of the time I have so many ideas that I can't stay focused. So I don't think the inspiration question applies; it’s more of a problem with focus and motivation. A lot of the inspiration comes from our gallery wall. The collection of art rotates, but it's symbolic of the styles that we admire, and sometimes try to emulate.
What artists - either contemporary or from history - have had an impact on you and your art practice?
A long list of tattooers. There are so many talented artists who are tattooers that I think a lot of fine arts people are missing out on. To pick a few currently on my mind historically: David Hockney, Renée Magritte, Aubrey Beardsley Contemporary: Chris Firger, Florence Solis, Kevin Ledo, Ramona Nordal, and Gordon Leverton.
What project are you working on right now? What would you like to do next?
Currently working on pieces to add to inventory for the galleries I am represented by, and for the Grand River Arts Festival in September. I have a lot of ideas ready to paint. I’d like to maintain a period of motivation and continue to expand my body of work. Hopefully I can attend the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair next year.
View Christopher Hall's art collection here.
