Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher St. Leger.
Christopher, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m part of a unique time in our cultural history where art making is rampant. And my beginnings are probably similar to those of many who encounter fine art and wish only to make it themselves. This happened to me in my early twenties, seeing paintings in a particular gallery, and wanting nothing else than to do just that.
Lately, I remind myself of these early aspirations, from back in the mid-90s when I was out of school for the first time in my life. I was drawn to the simplistic formula of watercolor on paper, as well as the calling of making art, of abandoning the professional “office” life and devoting myself to an aesthetic.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Thanks to 20th-century art history, I think we are wide open to all artistic formulas and methods for crafting an image. Not only have I not had to attend a fine arts training, but I feel that learning entirely on my own has benefitted my own intuitive process of start to finish.
Combining design with happenstance, I create paintings that explore whatever mystery I can find amidst the bleak or ordinary day-to-day. For the past few years, this has meant an exploration of the small town where I live.
I write this as I slouch on my couch with my laptop, and it occurs to me that I describe my work less and less frequently, preferring instead to inject ideas into imagery. It’s taken years to hone a voice, to develop a craft where meaning seeps out. I think we all have more than one job to pay bills – I do – and fleeting moments of inspiration are as in demand through the rigors of our modern lives as ever before.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Well, first of all, how about just connecting with other professionals. I’m pretty sure that art making desperately needs demystifying. No better way than for other creative types to get to know us.
Moving to a smaller town, outside of the inner city walls, is what I decided fifteen years ago in order to more easily manage the finances of supporting this career. Once you’re in a place like this, connections seem to unfold. Smaller towns demand participation, yes, in many cases outside of one’s comfort zone at first. But it’s proven to be good for my health, and that of my family’s too.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Where to find my work? Oh, how excited I am to answer this.
Four short months ago, I began a business relationship with two incredible people from Austin, Donna Blair, and Tamara Carlisle. Together we have opened Commerce Gallery in Lockhart. And after pulling my work from far-off places I am now excited to show in one exclusive place: a charming hometown square that is an easy 30 minutes southeast of Austin.
I not only attend to the dynamics of an ongoing exhibition of my work in a beautiful old commercial building, but I have also moved my studio to the rear of this location. The exhibition space also features a new guest artist whose work we rotate every two months.
It’s a friendly environment for viewing original art in a town that is experiencing real excitement these days.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Commerce Gallery
102 South Commerce Street
Lockhart, TX 78644 - Website: www.etsy.com/shop/TheOpenAirStudios
- Phone: 5125653981
- Email: info@christopherstleger.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/christopherstleger/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristopherStLegerStudio/
- Other: www.TheCommerceGallery.com
Image Credit:
Christopher St.Leger
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