Christopher Dear has exhibited in galleries, music events and public spaces across Australia, LA, Miami, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica and England. He became involved with the music industry at an early stage of his career and started producing large-scale artworks and backdrops for music events. This began the journey of his art and music being intertwined Dear’s paintings and designs are musically synesthetic and when exhibited with music, of all varieties, the sounds cascade though the design and resonate in the patterns. A unison of sound and vision. His painted canvases and mixed media works are adorned with gold leaf giving them reflective and illusionistic qualities. With a Modern futurist style, his paintings radiate vibrancy and colour. Dear also DJ’s electronic music under the name ‘Cosmic Vortex’.
Self-taught or art school?
I started doing a foundation at Chelsea School of Art in 1994 but it seemed to be going backwards for me as I had learned much more from A-Level Art & Design and A level Art History…it was like going back to kindergarten and being taught things that had no relevance to me and the tutor suggested I leave the course as I wasn’t suited to it so I did and then went on to study Arts Management at Southbank University but was kicked out at the end of year three because the tutor didn’t like me and said I had poor attendance. Being young and naive I didn’t argue with her and just accepted her decision, which now I wouldn’t have…so yes lots of art education but really I’m self-taught because I never learned any of the techniques I use now from being educated…
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali.
How would you describe your style?
Visionary psychedelic with a modern futuristic twist.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
For the last few years, I’ve been working with mixed media. I photograph my artworks and then work on them digitally and then have them partially printed leaving lots of white empty space and then I fill that space with oil and acrylic paint, pens and gilding in various metal leaf.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Salvador Dali as his works really resonates with me. His surreal take on existence which he portrayed so well in his works and his attention to detail is unsurpassed. Gaudi is another favourite, love his buildings. Mc Escher with his incredible prints.
What or who inspires your art?
Nature inspires me…I always work with natural patterns. My most recent three artworks from 2019/20 have been derived from satellite photos taken of Gaia and my oil paintings from 2016-2019 were all based on patterns found occurring in nature.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is in a converted skittle alley in Somerset. I live here also.
Do you have any studio rituals?
I like to paint at night with loud music and a vape.
What are you working on currently?
I’m working on a mixed media piece which will be shown between 16-22nd October 2020 at Rook Lane Chapel Gallery in Frome from 11 am-5 pm as part of the Visionary Art Collective exhibition with 6 other artists.
Where can we buy your art?
You can buy my art directly through me by emailing art@christopherdear.com and my portfolio is online at christopherdear.com and there is also digital works at Sedition Gallery www.seditionart.com/christopher-dear and also through Saatchi Online www.saatchiart.com/TONKER
