Daily Inspiration: Meet Christopher Stone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Stone.

Hi Christopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been interested in the arts since my early childhood. I continued to take art classes from elementary school through high school. While I was in college at VCU in Richmond, Virginia, I studied Painting – Printmaking and Art History graduating with a BFA degree. After college, I moved around a lot and worked in jobs that were less than creative. When I arrived in Seattle in the early 90s, I worked in construction residential and commercial for a decade. In the 11th year, I put myself through Seattle Central Community College studying Graphic Design earning an associate’s degree. I landed a job in advertising and worked my way up from an Interactive JR. Designer to an SR Art Director. While living in West Seattle, I turned my garage into a painting – silk screening studio and created enough work to have showings in local restaurants, coffee shops and galleries in Seattle.

In 2010 my wife and I moved to the City Of Angels – Los Angeles with dreams of success. But as everyone knows, when moving to a vast city like LA you have to start from where you are. After the 2nd year, I landed a job at CBS Interactive as an interactive SR. Art Director. In 2014 I finally found an art studio called The Scum Dungeon in the arts – fashion district in downtown LA. This studio was the cat’s meow of art studios that I shared with 10 – 15 other professional artists. The Scum Dungeon was a dream come true. I had a place where I could establish a routine to practice my skills, find my niche and a place to escape the hustle and bustle of LA. The road for any artist is a varied journey and can take a lifetime to develop your craft. It’s about producing every day to learn to feel the joy in living as an artist. There is no right or wrong way. Always trust your instinct because it is always right.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
A road less traveled!

For some artists, it could be a smooth road but that hasn’t been the case for me. You have to be willing to trust yourself to create what you see, however long it takes. One universal truth seems to be that many artists feel overwhelmed and have doubts about their work. You have to create for yourself.

I also try to figure out ways to improve my work and try new things. Interacting with other artists and working with different mediums has helped me develop new skills and find new sources of inspiration.

Being in an art community has given me a chance to talk to other artists. They understand what I am going through and they always offer helpful advice. I make myself take a break when needed and I try not to let myself get stuck in the procrastination bubble.

Be open to seeing as much art as possible in all its forms, have patience and never give up on your dreams!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My creative work combines painting, printmaking, construction and graphic design.

My insight into art is supported by practice and instinct, one creation or location can influence aspects in my projects years later.
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The combination of painting and silk screening have been the biggest inspiration in my current works. I am motivated by layers of colors and the blanket of objects that surround us in our daily lives.
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My painting and silk screening process consists of layering images and color on top of each other onto different mediums including: paper, cement, metal, glass and wood paneling. Though the subject matter of my work may vary, color remains its constant theme. I prize color for its powerful symbolism, its boldness and the ability to communicate emotion through these works.

I am proud to have found a studio row space in Palm Springs shared with 30 other artists. In addition to LA, the desert is a dynamic source of creativity. Currently, I am working on large-format silk screens. These formats range from 8” x 10” to 48” x 63”. With my most recent works, I remembered my teenage years, living in Guam smoking clove cigarettes with the colorful Southeast Asian packaging.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Likes: I love the diversity of the thriving creative art scene here, many different cultures, food, languages and the incredible year-round weather. Our city is overflowing with all types of music, dance, film and television, painting and printmaking. Moving to a vast city like LA allows many opportunities to find the space that works for you. I love that you can surf at the beach, snowboard and hike all within 24 hours.

LA has been anchored by so many large art institutes like: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and The Broad. However, there are plenty of incredible exhibition spaces, artist-run galleries and event spaces. I am thankful for being part of a community that supports me and my journey as an artist.

Dislikes:
Do I even dare say LA traffic? Why does it take an hour or 2 hours to travel 8 to 11 miles? Why?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christopherrobertstone.com/visualarts
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stonesilkscreens
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/stonesilkscreens 

Image Credits
All images and creative works are produced by: Christopher Stone – stonesilkscreens.