Meet Chris Arnold (A*)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Arnold (A*) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, why did you pursue a creative career?
Pursuing an artistic career was not just a choice for me, it was a necessity. Simply put, I am not sure I could have done anything else. When you have a passion for something so deeply ingrained inside you, there is no other option than the lifelong pursuit that follows. For me, that passion is art. Art is not just a profession; it is the lens through which I experience and interpret the world.

This intrinsic drive towards creativity has always guided my path. Even though I might not love “all things art,” I hold a deep appreciation for every artistic endeavor. Each form of artistic expression offers a unique perspective and contributes to the vast tapestry of human creativity. This diversity in art continuously fuels my inspiration and motivates me to explore new facets of my own creativity.

As part of my pursuit, I engage in something artistic and/or creative every single day. Whether it’s making art, talking to an artist, reading about art history, exploring design trends, or watching a youtube process video, I make sure that each day adds a new layer to my creative journey. These daily practices are not just my daily routines; they are integral to my identity as an artist. They help me grow, evolve, and keep my passion alive.

In essence, my pursuit of an artistic career is a reflection of who I am. It is the realization of a passion that has always been a part of me. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and continuous exploration. Through my pursuit of art, I have found my purpose, my voice, and my fulfillment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work does not come from just one place, just like my personal story. It is often visually influenced by impressionists, tattoo artists, surrealism, cartooning, and comic makers. This diverse blend of inspirations is reflected in the eclectic visuals of my art, which often explores themes of nature, environmental equity, and justice, all while intertwining elements of love and whimsy.

Both of my degrees, a BFA from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and an MFA from SCAD, have been instrumental in shaping me as an artist, illustrator, and person. These experiences provided me with a solid foundation in the technical and conceptual aspects of art, allowing me to experiment and evolve my unique voice.

What sets my work apart is the way it fuses conscious and subconscious elements, creating spaces that are both real and unreal, much like in my painting ‘Inside the Dream Garden.’ (Pictured) My art invites viewers to step into a world where reality and imagination coexist, encouraging them to see the beauty and complexity in both.

Like many artists, my path has been a mix of successes, failures, and unwavering commitment. It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced my share of challenges, from finding my place in the art world to balancing the demands of a professional career personal creative pursuits. Overcoming these challenges required resilience, a willingness to learn from every experience, and a deep passion for my craft.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is the value of staying true to oneself. Authenticity is key in art, and it’s essential to create from a place of honesty and passion. Another lesson is the importance of community. Collaborating with other artists, clients, faculty and students has enriched my work and opened up new avenues for creativity and growth.

Today, my creative pursuits and artistic passions continue to evolve. Whether I’m crafting pieces for galleries, collaborating with clients, or sharing my knowledge as an educator, I find profound joy in the ever-changing landscape of creativity. Each step of my journey has added a unique chapter, and I eagerly anticipate the thrilling artistic endeavors that lie ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Eat: I love a greasy spoon diner. Sit at the counter, order a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, find something on the menu with a “2” in it and don’t forget to get a slice of pie!

Drink: Find a dive bar. Get away from all of the trendy noise and soak up some culture. Get to the joint before sunset, order a Jack Daniels on the rocks and find seats at the end of the bar. They will more than likely have bad ass live music, but if not, they probably have a jukebox to take you deep into the night.

Visit: Go see local art. The big museums are incredible but I love to see what might be next. Find a place that is having an artist reception and enjoy an evening of culture, creativity and conversation. Who knows, you may witness the next top trend.

Hang Out: Anywhere on the ocean.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My “Shoutout” goes to the amazing Ron Finley and the Ron Finley Project based in South Central Los Angeles. My introduction to Ron and his work was through an episode of PBS’s “To Dine For with Kate Sullivan,” where I had the pleasure of learning about this amazing man, who is also known as the Gangster Gardener. His story and journey immediately resonated with me, and I was inspired to reach out and connect with him. Upon our first interaction, it became clear that we shared a creative connection, and we decided to embark on a collaborative art and illustration campaign together.

I had the privilege of crafting artwork for this partnership, drawing from my passion for botanical art that highlights the intricate link between nature and the environment. Additionally, I was greatly influenced by Ron’s commitment to gardening. The centerpiece of this work revolves around flowering foods, serving a dual purpose. On one level, it captivates the viewer with its stunning floral imagery, while also conveying an educational message. The art showcases commonly grown flowering foods, promoting not only sustenance but also the idea of freedom.

Through this collaboration, I was inspired to not only create visually appealing art but also use it as a vehicle to advocate for environmental equity, economy, and justice. The artwork serves as a means of education, imparting knowledge about the natural world while inspiring individuals to take a more active role in nurturing their environments.

In essence, this project represents the kind of meaningful work we are both passionate about—art that doesn’t just serve as decoration but also as a catalyst for change. It combines creativity with education, highlighting the beauty of nature and its connection to the environment while advocating for equity and justice. This collaboration with the Ron Finley Project holds great significance to me as it encapsulates my commitment to using art as a force for positive impact in the world and is well deserving of a “Shoutout.”

Website: http://www.chrisarnoldart.com

Instagram: http://www.chrisarnoldart.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnoldart 

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Scott Arnold