Welcome, hello I’m an artist
current places to view my art in person:
Circular Art space community exhibition bus CIC - refurbed bus gallery 780 Fishponds Road, BS163TT, Bristol, Car Park behind The Crafty Egg
https://circularartspace.co.uk
Art100 (run by keepartit) ART100 GALLERY CIC 18-20 Broadmead, BS1 3XD
https://art100gallery.square.site
Studio visit BS5 area St George by appointment only after met in public space for initial meeting (it’s now back inmy home)
M32 flea market dates coming soon
Welcome to My Creative World!
Hello there, you wonderful souls, or "hoomans" as I affectionately call fellow dog parents! If you've stumbled upon this blog post, chances are you've come across one of my leaflets floating around, carrying the essence of my artistic journey. As I sit here crafting these flyers, my mind is buzzing with questions: Is this captivating enough? Is it too cluttered? Does it truly reflect the essence of my art and who I am?
For those of you who ARE new here, allow me to introduce myself: Art isn’t just about creating tangible pieces for me; it’s a way of perceiving the world and an insatiable urge to create.
I've been wielding a paintbrush since able to hold a brush around age of four, and now, nearing 37, that passion still burns as brightly as ever. You might look at my art and label some of it as naive, and you'd be right. It's intentionally kept that way to preserve the innocence of my inner child, I have a push and pull of focused literal detailed work, and chaotic playful paint splatter getting energy out.
While I could paint the tangible, it's the abstract emotions that truly captivates me. Painting isn’t merely a means to an end for me; it’s a compulsion, a necessity as vital as breathing.
Reflecting on the words of Helena Bonham Carter in the art of Tim Burton, I resonate deeply with the notion of creating for oneself rather than for an audience. Like Burton, I paint because I must, not for exhibition but to quench the burning need to express myself. It's a compulsion that runs through every fibre of my being.
”I think most artists paint pictures to be seen. what makes this book special is that most of these pictures Tim never intended to be seen by anyone other than himself. He paints or draws because he has to. He doesn’t paint to exhibit but to quench the need to express himself. It’s a compulsion. since the day I met Tim I have never known him not to be without a pen in his left breast pocket. And more often than not with an attendant ink stain blending through the material. He has to draw as he has to breathe. Take away his pen and he’d go insane”
Throughout my journey, I've sold a modest number of paintings, 10 so far, each transaction accompanied by heartfelt conversations that linger long after the sale is made. But why the flyers, you might ask?
It's not about chasing profit though that is needed for a art career, those happen naturally without forcing it; it's about fostering a life where creativity flows effortlessly, where I can indulge my passion for painting while navigating the intricacies of my physical and mental health.
Living with conditions like autism and ADHD has its challenges, but art has been my constant companion through it all. It's not just about survival; it's about enriching lives, sparking joy, and perhaps even instigating change. Art has the power to transform a space, elevate a mood, and inspire introspection.
So again, why the leaflets? Despite having painted at renowned events like Upfest, shown in north street gallery, the art bus and more, I realised that my identity as an artist remained largely unknown in my own city of Bristol, not even those on my street know I am an artist. Thus, these humble flyers serve as a digital handshake, a simple gesture to say, "Hey, I'm here, and this is what I do."
Circular Art Space Bus in Crafty egg staff car park 780 Fishponds Road
I don’t aim to appeal to everyone, but I do strive to be authentic. Whether you found your way here out of curiosity or by sheer serendipity, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. I hope our paths cross again, perhaps at an art exhibition or in the vibrant exchanges of this blog’s comment section. I will be updating where to find my art when ever they may change or if I have a specific date in mind (I dont go to every flea market but I do tend to autumn through winter)
In the meantime, consider joining my newsletter to stay updated on my artistic endeavours and where you can find my latest exhibitions more easily. And if you ever find yourself in Fishponds or local, swing by the art bus location above to immerse yourself in my world of colours, texture, imagination and the world as I see it.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my corner of the creative universe. Until we meet again, keep embracing the beauty of expression, wherever it may lead you.
Warm regards,
Chris J Shopland
