In the Studio with Christopher Whitehead
Christopher Whitehead is a an AACPS Visual Art Teacher Specialist, the owner of Infinity Pond Studios and a seriously talented multimedia artist. His work is currently on view as part of “Evolution," in our Hal Gomer Gallery through July 31, 2020. Here’s Christopher talking about his background, process and current series utilizing upcycled food packaging:
On being an artist: I have always wanted to be an artist, my entire life. Anytime I was asked , “what do you want to be when you grow up?” the answer was always “an artist”. There was one brief time around age 7, when I would answer “a veterinarian”, but that passed pretty quickly. Teacher encouragement seemed pivotal at various times throughout my life.
Growing up in Europe, my parents took me to many museums, which also had a large impact on my life and career. I have worked in museum education for many years.
On teaching: I grew up in a teaching family. My grandparents and aunts were teachers. My mom was going to be a math teacher, but ended up being a CPA. My sister is an elementary teacher. My wife was an art teacher and is now an administrator. Being a teacher was never in question – it was just something I was expected to do, but I chose to be an artist. I love making art and showing others how to make art. I make art in real life and in my mind every hour of the day whether awake or dreaming.
On the “aha” moment: There are so many times I have seen the proverbial light bulb go off for students when they finally “get it”. I love those moments – if you are a teacher or parent, you know what I am talking about. That moment when you can tell a child fully understands what you are saying.. My favorite is when a struggling student accomplishes their vision on a piece – it is so rewarding. I also love to hear from previous students that are now working in the art field.
On finding inspiration: The human form has always been my subject of choice. There is something about how the viewer can make a connection with an image of a person. I went to school to be a medical illustrator and studied anatomy and biology.
On his latest work: I love to make something beautiful from recycled, found and discarded materials. Currently, I am working on a series of drawings and carvings made from used cardboard packaging. I have done about 50 so far. See some of the work here.
Advice for aspiring visual artists: Draw all the time. No matter what media you want to work in, constant drawing helps you get things out of your head – most of which can be discarded. Weeding through these images and visualizing ideas will better prepare you for the final works you hope to create. I have a sketchbook in every room of my house, in my car, at work and I carry two in my back pockets.
For all young artisans, regardless of media, I would say “don’t stop”. Keep going even when they tell you to stop, even if they tell you are no good. You will get better and you do not have to show the works you are not proud of, but “don’t stop”.
To see more of Christopher’s work, visit the “Evolution” gallery show at CAC (available for view online or in-person by appointment only through July 31, 2020, visit his website for follow him on IG @infinitypondstudios.
