Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Chris Arnold (A*)

Chris Arnold is a Chicago-based contemporary artist and illustrator. Currently, his work is focused on environmental expressionism with notable collections featuring animals, botanicals and landscapes. This includes recent projects with the Ron Finley Project, US National Park Service and the Department of the Interior as an Artist-in-Residence. He has earned a B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and an M.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Additionally, he is a tenured member of the Art and Design Department at Columbia College Chicago as an Associate Professor of Illustration. Chris has also served the academic community in Illinois teaching at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Over the last two decades of Arnold’s professional art and illustration career, he has had work featured in more than a dozen one-man exhibitions, included in over 50 curated group shows worldwide and has been part of countless award-winning illustration and design campaigns.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I am an artist, illustrator, and Professor. My journey in the art world has been a vibrant and ever-evolving expedition. From a young age, I've been captivated by creativity and self-expression, initially inspired by the iconic styles of Jim Davis (Garfield), Gary Larson (The Far Side), and Matt Groening (The Simpsons). Those early attempts at emulating the magic of comics and cartoons planted the seeds of my artistic passion. Like many artists, my path has been a blend of successes, failures, and unwavering commitment, guiding me toward a professional career in the arts. This academic pursuit broadened my horizons and equipped me with a diverse artistic toolkit, steering me toward a career more centered on illustration. From graduate school until completing my Tenure-Track at Columbia College Chicago, I've had the privilege of collaborating with diverse clients and exploring various commercial markets in illustration and design. These experiences not only enhanced my artistic versatility but also provided practical opportunities to bring my creative visions to life in commercial settings. Interestingly, my artistic path took a significant shift, especially during the pandemic. The work I began to develop, still rooted in comics and cartoons, started to bridge the gap between traditional fine art spaces and illustrative and design spheres. This evolution allowed me to create more art for gallery exhibitions and private commissions while continuing to engage in client work as an illustrator and designer. Today, my creative pursuits continue to evolve, reflecting my enduring passion for art in all its forms. Whether 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 unfolded as a unique chapter, and I eagerly anticipate the thrilling artistic endeavors that lie ahead.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My work aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about environmental consciousness by emphasizing the interconnectedness between personal actions and their impact on the environment. Through my art and illustration, I strive to translate my environmental concerns into visually compelling compositions and narratives. I use art as a form of accessible visual communication that is both playful and thought-provoking, challenging viewers to engage, be curious, and spark conversations. In doing so, I hope to inspire action toward greater environmental awareness and stewardship. My work at times does comment on current social and political issues, particularly those related to environmental justice, equity and sustainability. Art has a unique role in raising awareness about these issues by evoking emotional responses and fostering connections between individuals and the natural world has always been important to me.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“My work is a little bit of both planning and improvisation. The illustrator/designer in me thrives on structure - I love to create a plan and map out where my work is headed. This approach helps me ensure that the composition is strong, the concept is clear, and the final piece resonates with its intended audience. I find comfort in knowing that I have a roadmap, a set of guidelines that steer the direction of the piece. However, the artist in me craves the freedom to explore and experiment. Once the groundwork is laid, I enjoy improvising, adding, and subtracting elements as I build the composition. This is where the magic happens - the unexpected moments, the happy accidents, the organic evolution of the piece. It’s in these moments of creative flow that the work truly comes to life, taking on a form and energy that might not have been possible if I stuck rigidly to the plan. The interplay between control and chaos is where my work finds its balance and harmony. By embracing both aspects, I’m able to create pieces that are both well-conceived and vibrantly alive. This dual approach also keeps both sides of my brain happy and centered, allowing me to tap into the analytical and the creative, the structured and the spontaneous. Ultimately, it’s this blend of planning and improvisation that defines my process and makes my work uniquely mine.”

“My work aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about environmental consciousness by emphasizing the interconnectedness between personal actions and their impact on the environment.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“I’m not sure I’m following any specific trends, but I like to believe I’m open to any and all influences as an artist. The art world is constantly evolving, with new movements and ideas emerging all the time, and I find it fascinating to observe and absorb these changes. However, rather than chasing trends, I focus on maintaining a broad perspective, staying receptive to the myriad of influences that can inform my work. As a Professor of Illustration at Columbia College Chicago, I’m deeply invested in what informs our field, and I’m equally interested in what my students are creating. I remind them every semester that they are the trendsetters, they are the ones who will be shaping the future of art and illustration. Their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches are what drive the field forward, and I find immense inspiration in their work. Instead of trying to pinpoint specific trends, I prefer to surround myself with these trendsetters, both emerging and established voices who are pushing boundaries and exploring new creative territories. By engaging with these creative minds, I stay connected to the pulse of the art world without being confined to any one trend. This openness allows me to continually evolve as an artist, staying relevant and responsive to the ever-changing landscape of art.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“Simply looking at my work, you'll see they are studio paintings created primarily using acrylic on canvas. However, the reality of my art goes much deeper, rooted in years of research, exploration, and adventure. My process often takes me beyond the walls of my studio, when possible, out into the world to make deeper connections as a creator. Sometimes my work takes me into the off-grid backcountry of a national park, or more simply, painting within the gardens of my own yard. Nature plays a crucial role in my creative process, and being immersed in it while creating is my favorite way to work. This immersion introduces a delightful randomness to the process, as the environment exerts its influence on the artwork. The weather, the temperature, or even something as small as a bug landing in the paint adds unique, unplanned elements to each piece. These variables go beyond mere media on a surface, making each painting a one-of-a-kind reflection of the moment and place in which it was created.”

 What does your art mean to you?

“My art has never had a single, definitive meaning to me. In my early career, my work was bold and aggressive, fueled by a desire to make a significant impact on each viewer and the art world. I felt an urgency to communicate big ideas and emotions, often seeking validation and recognition. At that time, my art was more about expressing a loud, confident voice and making waves. However, as I’ve matured, the way my art makes me feel has evolved dramatically. Now, it represents a personal connection that runs deeper than before, one that feels too intimate to share publicly. Each piece I create embodies my experiences, emotions, and reflections on life, nature, and the environment. There’s a sense of dialogue between me and my work; I feel it gives back to me as much as I give to it. This wasn't fully present in my earlier years. Back then, my focus was largely on the outward impact of my art rather than its internal significance. Now, I see my work as a space for exploration and contemplation. It allows me to process my thoughts and feelings, creating a balance where I find joy, solace, and understanding. This evolution has made my artistic journey far more fulfilling and meaningful, and I cherish the connection I have with my art today.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“My favorite artwork is Pablo Picasso's painting, ‘Guernica.’ I had a transformative experience during Professor John Klein’s Art History class at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where my perception of art shifted dramatically. Before that, I primarily viewed art through the lens of personal preferences and aesthetic appeal. But after studying Picasso’s masterpiece in that class, I began to see art's broader potential to inform, educate, advocate, and evoke powerful emotions. This realization had an immediate and lasting impact on my artistic practice, shaping the way I approach my work today. ‘Guernica’ laid the foundation for the environmental and conceptual paintings I create today, where I aim to convey more than just visual beauty, but also messages that resonate on a deeper, more emotional level. In 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to see ‘Guernica’ in person at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid. Standing before it was a powerful moment, reaffirming the profound influence that a single piece of art can have on one’s life and work.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Currently, I am featured in ‘Spontaneity’ at the Virgil Catherine Gallery in Chicago. Additionally, I will be exhibiting with the Houska Gallery and Laughlin Gallery in 2024-2025.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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