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 Christopher
and I have only spoken by phone. However, I have viewed his website
and have kept up with current news regarding his involvement as an
artist in the community. So, here is the artist in his own words.
Q: Please share some background on your life as an artist and what
motivates you today:
A: I was born June 20, 1984 in Baton Rouge, LA. I was raised in the
Eden Park neighborhood, near the Mid-City and Downtown art
districts. My mother noticed that God has given me a unique talent
at an early age. She felt I was called to be an artist. I was tested
and enrolled in East Baton Rouge Talented Arts Program from 6th
grade until I graduated grade school. During my time in the program,
I was included in many projects and shows in Baton Rouge and
surrounding areas.
Q. What would you say is your Artist's statement?
A: I was born to create art. It is a God-given gift that emerged
early in my life and has evolved and manifested as I have matured as
an artist. I am not content to remain in the studio. I am more about
taking art to the people and that is why I am inspired to paint
murals. Murals bring the joy of color, form and content to public
spaces.
The natural fusion of art and music is passionate. This passion is
expressed in my love of painting spontaneously to musical beats and
capturing the rhythms and energy on canvas. It gives my work a spark
of authenticity.
Whatever the medium or event, I want to transport viewers and
listeners into my creative space and mutually celebrate the beauty
and wonder of art in all of its genres and interpretations. -I would
say that is truly my artist statement-Christopher.
Q: Share more about your own personal journey and more about how
others can discover your work:
A: I didn't pursue art school after my grandmother passed away from
cancer. I decided to become a truck driver. After a five-year
hiatus, I began creating artwork in February of 2009, and in just a
year have enjoyed considerable success. My fiancé purchased three
canvases and paint for our engagement party in 2009. I thank her for
that gift because she revived my love of art. I had forgotten how
good it feels to create, so I am so grateful to her.
Q: Last, but not least, do you have any mentors today?
A: Yes, I do. Tony Mose mentors me a lot. He has shown me things and
made me think about my work. I gained a newfound respect for Tony
when I found out he had his own personal battle with cancer. He is a
powerful artist with a real down to earth sprit.
Q. Do you have any other person hobbies and just share about you as
a person?
A: Eden Park neighborhood wasn't the best neighborhood in the city
of Baton Rouge. I thank God for his guidance and placing a strong
mother in my life to keep me in line. If it wasn't for her seeing my
God giving talented at an early age I could have became a product of
my environment.
I don't really have time for extra hobbies. I wear many hats. Right
now at this time in my life, I would say sleep is a hobby for me.
Q. Do you have a favorite piece you created?
A: My art celebrates life, love, culture, and soul. People always
ask me, what's your favorite thing to do? I don't have a favorite
style; I love abstracts, paintings, drawings, digital arts, and
mixed media. My style is like a big gumbo--- a mixture of all and
put together to make a wonderful dish.
Q. Share anything you want to about yourself that you may feel the
readers will find interesting:
A: Well, on June 19, 2010, I was involved in a near fatal
eighteen-wheeler crash while driving home from Alabama. The crash
provided inspiration for my first major work, a new collection that
will be completed in August. This powerful collection entitled Pure
Emotions is composed primarily of contemporary abstracts with vivid
colors. It will also include light pastels done in acrylics along
with some mixed media works.
In addition, on March 18th, 2010, I made history as the first
African American artist to create a live painting at a performance
of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. I performed with the
Southeastern Louisiana University Saxophone Quartet in the lobby of
the Baton Rouge River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts prior
to the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra's concert. And, I was given
the opportunity to speak at my alma Mater, Capitol High School.
Q. What shows have you been a part of and what shows do you have
coming up?
A: RECENT LIVE PAINTING PERFORMANCE:
- The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Presents The Sounds Of
Summer / Baton Rouge, La
- 9 News This Morning with Keitha Nelson & Jeff Morrow / Baton
Rouge, La
- Soul Refined Culture Art. Soul Music feat PJ Morton, Shaw
Center / Baton Rouge, La
- Friends of LPB Art Rocks, artist reception Louisiana State Museum
/ Baton Rouge, La
- 13th Annual International Heritage Celebration, Downtown / Baton
Rouge, La
- BR Symphony Orchestra River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts
/ Baton Rouge, La
- Soul Refined Feat. Mint Condition Lyceum Ballroom / Baton Rouge,
La
SHOWS EXHIBITED:
- Culture Art Soul Music solo exhibited / Baton Rouge, La
- The Main Artery group exhibited / Baton Rouge, La
- Rou Cou Cou Gallery group exhibited / Baton Rouge, La
- Posh Chic Salon & Gallery solo exhibited / Baton Rouge, La
- Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina group exhibited / Lafayette, La
- Recycle Cycles of Acadiana solo exhibited / Lafayette, La
As far as upcoming shows-on Friday, September 10th, I will be a part
of Cool Art, Smooth Jazz at Tsunami from 7:00 to 11:00 pm and it is
free to the public. Scott Campbell will also be participating.
Tsunami Sushi Restaurant is at the Shaw Center for the Arts located
at 100 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor. Please come join us.
To reach Christopher, his number is 347-850-2697. His e-mail is
artbychristopher@gmail.com . Please visit his website at
www.artbychristopherturner.com
Christopher does live paintings at concerts, church services,
fundraisers, parties, school functions, conferences, weddings, art
shows, and other gatherings.
Personally, I am looking forward to meeting Christopher. The Tsunami
show is one I hope to make.
photos by Reminisce Photography & Media, LLC.
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