Should you use your real name as a fine artist?
Embracing Identity: The Journey Back to My Name
Have you ever pondered the significance of a name? Recently, you might have noticed that I've returned to using my real name professionally to represent my art. Initially, I toyed with the idea of adopting a cool moniker, an alias, or perhaps an alter ego. Yet, it felt disingenuous to sign my work as anything other than my initials associated with Chris Shopland.
Many artists, such as Banksy, My Dog Sighs, and Herakut, have thrived under names not assigned at birth. Similarly, countless celebrities adopt pseudonyms, sometimes for ease of remembrance or to distinguish themselves from other celebrities with similar names.
During my quest for a suitable name, I stumbled upon numerous talented musicians and visual artists. Perhaps my initial hesitation wasn't entirely misguided; after all, someone already exists with seemingly perfect names like "Nameless" or "Atlas."
One mental hurdle I faced was the notion that cars aren't named John Smith or Chris Shopland Mk2—though Henry Ford stands as a notable exception. Ultimately, we must align with what feels right for us, a process that often involves introspection, as it did for me.
Despite my efforts to distance myself from my family name, "Shopland" which to me evokes imagery of a theme park—an amusement space filled with shops, where you can buy shops, and have the full shopping experience. It lacks the exotic, artsy vibe I hoped to convey through my work.
However, upon delving even further than I had before into its origins, while I knew that "Shopland" was of Anglo-Saxon descent, what I didn’t know was the variations in spelling over the centuries. While there's a Shopland's sawmill in Clevedon, it's unrelated to my lineage, as far as I know.
Growing up as Chris amidst a sea of Chris's, I've encountered my fair share of name-related confusion. I've often been introduced to multiple individuals sharing my name, leading to amusingly perplexing situations. Such as a friend “Ok Chris, this is Chris , Chris , Chris , oh they are all Chris’ “
Despite never adopting the nickname "CJ," I've embarked on a new journey with the launch of CJS, cjshopland, the Art of Chris Shopland or a mix of all—a culmination of seven years of putting myself out there. This website marks a fresh start, where I aim to effectively communicate who I am, what I’m up to, what inspires, what drives me, and what my art signifies.
As I populate the site with paintings deemed "finished" (though art is never truly finished, only abandoned), I reflect on the significance of this endeavor. It's not just about having a memorable name; it's about sharing my story and creative expression with the world.
While my name may not be obscure, I hope that this time around, it will be remembered. Even if the spelling eludes some, mishearings and misconceptions notwithstanding, I'm embracing my identity wholeheartedly. Shraplund, Shipland, all being favourite mishearings, with the land often pronounced lund but i guess is interchangeable.
In addition to my website, I've ventured into video creation on platforms like YouTube. However, I find solace in the act of painting, followed closely by writing, before delving into other forms of expression. Art, for me, is the ultimate communicator—a language that transcends spoken words. Faster and easier than the fear of being on camera, which while overcome if constant, creeps back in. So I hope this blog will serve as a better way to explain who this particular Chris is, but there will be videos when I have something to say or am off to somewhere of interest. the Upfest event is one of my favourite videos that I created.
So, as I embark on this new chapter, I invite you to explore the world of cjshopland, CJS, Shopland Art, where creativity knows no bounds, and identity is celebrated in its purest form.
