Artist Interview: Anthony Christopher
HEAVY METAL is proud to introduce a new site feature, artist interviews with selected creators! The first artist interview in this series is with Anthony Christopher. Let's get right into it!
Chet Reams: Tell us a bit about yourself and your work..
Anthony Christopher: I've been living in Chicago for quite some time. I don't particularly think I'm a “Chicago Artist” per-se. Just a place where I rest. Usually people assume I would be a fairly dark person because of my drawings. But I'm usually a pretty outgoing person that probably drinks too much Malort.
Reams: Your Instagram profile (@anthonychristopherart ) page features media you have created in several different mediums - that being said, what is your preferred medium to work with?
Christopher: 99% of my work is with pen and ink. I use Rotring Isograph pens which were originally made in Germany. They are very precise and also unforgiving.
Reams: What inspires you; that is, what gets your creative juices “flowing”?
Christopher: As far as inspiration goes, I really find the spice in life with the surreal and absurd. I can't help but absolutely enjoy feeling uncomfortable at times. Seeing people completely out of their minds. Like someone urinating on the train and seeing it come streaming down the aisle. Or perhaps a stranger riding their bike while throwing cheeseburgers at anyone they pass. Being slapped in the face with a piece of ham from an unknown passerby. Do I laugh? Eat it? Say thanks? I can't help but feel excitement with the sad, surreal, and peculiar nature of people. I thoroughly enjoy these ridiculous encounters.
Reams: Where do you create your art; Do you have a studio, or another favorite place to work at?
Christopher: I primarily work from home. At this point I have a couple different drawing tables and have acquired fine art printers, so I don't have to outsource anything anymore. 1 of these printers is the size of a couch. I also have been traveling a lot. In that case, It's easy for me to bring a sketchbook or some paper wherever I go.
Reams: I saw, on your Instagram, there was a post where you were doing a sketch and you described it as a “quick sketch to start the day”. Is that part of your daily routine?
Christopher: I do not have a daily routine. My sleeping is very poor. Some sort of schedule is completely out of the picture. But I'm drawing constantly. Packing orders. Doing all that sort of stuff.
Reams: Do you have a phrase that you would use to describe your personal style?
Christopher: I personally don't have a phrase to describe my style. There are certainly words that can fit. Surrealism, wimmelbild, horror vacui, etc.
Many years ago I knew someone who just said this about their work: “I just want to draw cool shit”. I'll take their statement. Which reminds me.. I need to update the “about me” section on my website. Or get rid of it.
Reams: Then you have some watercolor & ink pieces you’ve done more recently! …I saw your drawings, “Human Mole” and another one titled “Goblinephant.” .. I would love to know what inspired those works..
Christopher: I've always loved the combination of watercolor and ink. I never thought I was that great at it. But recently, I did go pretty hard with the medium. I just wanted to create some goofy characters. So, “Human Mole” and “Goblinephant” were just some goofy practice type pieces.
Reams: Tell us about the large pieces you’ve done - such as “I Still Hear Voices.”
Christopher: “I Still Hear Voices” was pretty popular and still is I suppose. For me it was a mostly relaxing piece to create. There really isn't much thought behind making it. Just extremely time consuming. There was another piece that size that did drive me a little mad. “Life and Death” - a simple concept, but executed in an overwhelming way. I did the entire piece with magnifying glasses to get as detailed as possible.
I'm finishing up another large piece that also has taken me far too long and has been quite maddening at times. It's an entire apartment building. You can see through all the windows and what's going on in each unit. But like I mentioned above with getting excitement out of the absurd, also going through these things I enjoy. Even if they can be quite overwhelming and painful. I think it's necessary.
Reams: What would be your favorite creation that you have done in pen and ink; And, what about your overall favorite art piece that you’ve done over the years?
Christopher: I'm not sure what my favorite creation is. But I did make this drawing out of an entire roll of receipt paper. It's 150 feet long. It's one of the few original pieces I still have. It took me a couple years and comes in this lovely handmade box that Matt Pope made. You can scroll through the entire piece with 2 handles on top. The video is long because it's a ton of work to show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dQYaLtlRNY . The video is also pinned at the top of my instagram profile. Not too many people have seen it, but I do think it's pretty special and unique.
Reams: What got you into the artist life?
Christopher: Being a full time artist is quite ideal for me. I don't have to work with anyone else or really rely on anyone else. I like to handle all operations myself. I haven't set an alarm in years.
But that being said, it can also be quite draining and stressful. The ups and downs financially. The uncertainty. But all is going well, and that's part of the enjoyment... strikes and gutters. Cheese and no cheese.
Reams: Where can people find you on the web?
Christopher: Website: AnthonyChristopherArt.com ; SubReddit: r/AnthonyChristopherArt ; Instagram: @AnthonyChristopherArt ; Direct links: https://www.anthonychristopherart.com; https://www.reddit.com/r/AnthonyChristopherArt .
Reams: Anthony - thanks for the opportunity to talk with you!
Christopher: Thank you Chet, for reaching out.
Artist Interview: Anthony Christopher
HEAVY METAL is proud to introduce a new site feature, artist interviews with selected creators! The first artist interview in this series is with Anthony Christopher. Let's get right into it!
Chet Reams: Tell us a bit about yourself and your work..
Anthony Christopher: I've been living in Chicago for quite some time. I don't particularly think I'm a “Chicago Artist” per-se. Just a place where I rest. Usually people assume I would be a fairly dark person because of my drawings. But I'm usually a pretty outgoing person that probably drinks too much Malort.
Reams: Your Instagram profile (@anthonychristopherart ) page features media you have created in several different mediums - that being said, what is your preferred medium to work with?
Christopher: 99% of my work is with pen and ink. I use Rotring Isograph pens which were originally made in Germany. They are very precise and also unforgiving.
Reams: What inspires you; that is, what gets your creative juices “flowing”?
Christopher: As far as inspiration goes, I really find the spice in life with the surreal and absurd. I can't help but absolutely enjoy feeling uncomfortable at times. Seeing people completely out of their minds. Like someone urinating on the train and seeing it come streaming down the aisle. Or perhaps a stranger riding their bike while throwing cheeseburgers at anyone they pass. Being slapped in the face with a piece of ham from an unknown passerby. Do I laugh? Eat it? Say thanks? I can't help but feel excitement with the sad, surreal, and peculiar nature of people. I thoroughly enjoy these ridiculous encounters.
Reams: Where do you create your art; Do you have a studio, or another favorite place to work at?
Christopher: I primarily work from home. At this point I have a couple different drawing tables and have acquired fine art printers, so I don't have to outsource anything anymore. 1 of these printers is the size of a couch. I also have been traveling a lot. In that case, It's easy for me to bring a sketchbook or some paper wherever I go.
Reams: I saw, on your Instagram, there was a post where you were doing a sketch and you described it as a “quick sketch to start the day”. Is that part of your daily routine?
Christopher: I do not have a daily routine. My sleeping is very poor. Some sort of schedule is completely out of the picture. But I'm drawing constantly. Packing orders. Doing all that sort of stuff.
Reams: Do you have a phrase that you would use to describe your personal style?
Christopher: I personally don't have a phrase to describe my style. There are certainly words that can fit. Surrealism, wimmelbild, horror vacui, etc.
Many years ago I knew someone who just said this about their work: “I just want to draw cool shit”. I'll take their statement. Which reminds me.. I need to update the “about me” section on my website. Or get rid of it.
Reams: Then you have some watercolor & ink pieces you’ve done more recently! …I saw your drawings, “Human Mole” and another one titled “Goblinephant.” .. I would love to know what inspired those works..
Christopher: I've always loved the combination of watercolor and ink. I never thought I was that great at it. But recently, I did go pretty hard with the medium. I just wanted to create some goofy characters. So, “Human Mole” and “Goblinephant” were just some goofy practice type pieces.
Reams: Tell us about the large pieces you’ve done - such as “I Still Hear Voices.”
Christopher: “I Still Hear Voices” was pretty popular and still is I suppose. For me it was a mostly relaxing piece to create. There really isn't much thought behind making it. Just extremely time consuming. There was another piece that size that did drive me a little mad. “Life and Death” - a simple concept, but executed in an overwhelming way. I did the entire piece with magnifying glasses to get as detailed as possible.
I'm finishing up another large piece that also has taken me far too long and has been quite maddening at times. It's an entire apartment building. You can see through all the windows and what's going on in each unit. But like I mentioned above with getting excitement out of the absurd, also going through these things I enjoy. Even if they can be quite overwhelming and painful. I think it's necessary.
Reams: What would be your favorite creation that you have done in pen and ink; And, what about your overall favorite art piece that you’ve done over the years?
Christopher: I'm not sure what my favorite creation is. But I did make this drawing out of an entire roll of receipt paper. It's 150 feet long. It's one of the few original pieces I still have. It took me a couple years and comes in this lovely handmade box that Matt Pope made. You can scroll through the entire piece with 2 handles on top. The video is long because it's a ton of work to show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dQYaLtlRNY . The video is also pinned at the top of my instagram profile. Not too many people have seen it, but I do think it's pretty special and unique.
Reams: What got you into the artist life?
Christopher: Being a full time artist is quite ideal for me. I don't have to work with anyone else or really rely on anyone else. I like to handle all operations myself. I haven't set an alarm in years.
But that being said, it can also be quite draining and stressful. The ups and downs financially. The uncertainty. But all is going well, and that's part of the enjoyment... strikes and gutters. Cheese and no cheese.
Reams: Where can people find you on the web?
Christopher: Website: AnthonyChristopherArt.com ; SubReddit: r/AnthonyChristopherArt ; Instagram: @AnthonyChristopherArt ; Direct links: https://www.anthonychristopherart.com; https://www.reddit.com/r/AnthonyChristopherArt .
Reams: Anthony - thanks for the opportunity to talk with you!
Christopher: Thank you Chet, for reaching out.
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HEAVY METAL is proud to introduce a new site feature, artist interviews with selected creators! The first artist interview in this series is with Anthony Christopher. Let's get right into it!
Chet Reams: Tell us a bit about yourself and your work..
Anthony Christopher: I've been living in Chicago for quite some time. I don't particularly think I'm a “Chicago Artist” per-se. Just a place where I rest. Usually people assume I would be a fairly dark person because of my drawings. But I'm usually a pretty outgoing person that probably drinks too much Malort.
Reams: Your Instagram profile (@anthonychristopherart ) page features media you have created in several different mediums - that being said, what is your preferred medium to work with?
Christopher: 99% of my work is with pen and ink. I use Rotring Isograph pens which were originally made in Germany. They are very precise and also unforgiving.
Reams: What inspires you; that is, what gets your creative juices “flowing”?
Christopher: As far as inspiration goes, I really find the spice in life with the surreal and absurd. I can't help but absolutely enjoy feeling uncomfortable at times. Seeing people completely out of their minds. Like someone urinating on the train and seeing it come streaming down the aisle. Or perhaps a stranger riding their bike while throwing cheeseburgers at anyone they pass. Being slapped in the face with a piece of ham from an unknown passerby. Do I laugh? Eat it? Say thanks? I can't help but feel excitement with the sad, surreal, and peculiar nature of people. I thoroughly enjoy these ridiculous encounters.
Reams: Where do you create your art; Do you have a studio, or another favorite place to work at?
Christopher: I primarily work from home. At this point I have a couple different drawing tables and have acquired fine art printers, so I don't have to outsource anything anymore. 1 of these printers is the size of a couch. I also have been traveling a lot. In that case, It's easy for me to bring a sketchbook or some paper wherever I go.
Reams: I saw, on your Instagram, there was a post where you were doing a sketch and you described it as a “quick sketch to start the day”. Is that part of your daily routine?
Christopher: I do not have a daily routine. My sleeping is very poor. Some sort of schedule is completely out of the picture. But I'm drawing constantly. Packing orders. Doing all that sort of stuff.
Reams: Do you have a phrase that you would use to describe your personal style?
Christopher: I personally don't have a phrase to describe my style. There are certainly words that can fit. Surrealism, wimmelbild, horror vacui, etc.
Many years ago I knew someone who just said this about their work: “I just want to draw cool shit”. I'll take their statement. Which reminds me.. I need to update the “about me” section on my website. Or get rid of it.
Reams: Then you have some watercolor & ink pieces you’ve done more recently! …I saw your drawings, “Human Mole” and another one titled “Goblinephant.” .. I would love to know what inspired those works..
Christopher: I've always loved the combination of watercolor and ink. I never thought I was that great at it. But recently, I did go pretty hard with the medium. I just wanted to create some goofy characters. So, “Human Mole” and “Goblinephant” were just some goofy practice type pieces.
Reams: Tell us about the large pieces you’ve done - such as “I Still Hear Voices.”
Christopher: “I Still Hear Voices” was pretty popular and still is I suppose. For me it was a mostly relaxing piece to create. There really isn't much thought behind making it. Just extremely time consuming. There was another piece that size that did drive me a little mad. “Life and Death” - a simple concept, but executed in an overwhelming way. I did the entire piece with magnifying glasses to get as detailed as possible.
I'm finishing up another large piece that also has taken me far too long and has been quite maddening at times. It's an entire apartment building. You can see through all the windows and what's going on in each unit. But like I mentioned above with getting excitement out of the absurd, also going through these things I enjoy. Even if they can be quite overwhelming and painful. I think it's necessary.
Reams: What would be your favorite creation that you have done in pen and ink; And, what about your overall favorite art piece that you’ve done over the years?
Christopher: I'm not sure what my favorite creation is. But I did make this drawing out of an entire roll of receipt paper. It's 150 feet long. It's one of the few original pieces I still have. It took me a couple years and comes in this lovely handmade box that Matt Pope made. You can scroll through the entire piece with 2 handles on top. The video is long because it's a ton of work to show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dQYaLtlRNY . The video is also pinned at the top of my instagram profile. Not too many people have seen it, but I do think it's pretty special and unique.
Reams: What got you into the artist life?
Christopher: Being a full time artist is quite ideal for me. I don't have to work with anyone else or really rely on anyone else. I like to handle all operations myself. I haven't set an alarm in years.
But that being said, it can also be quite draining and stressful. The ups and downs financially. The uncertainty. But all is going well, and that's part of the enjoyment... strikes and gutters. Cheese and no cheese.
Reams: Where can people find you on the web?
Christopher: Website: AnthonyChristopherArt.com ; SubReddit: r/AnthonyChristopherArt ; Instagram: @AnthonyChristopherArt ; Direct links: https://www.anthonychristopherart.com; https://www.reddit.com/r/AnthonyChristopherArt .
Reams: Anthony - thanks for the opportunity to talk with you!
Christopher: Thank you Chet, for reaching out.
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