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Chris Rankin is a local CCAD grad who is leading a double life. By day, he is a Principal at Creative Spot, a local design, marketing and interactive firm. By night, he is an encaustic painter and engaged member of the local art community, currently serving on the board at the Ohio Art League.
We recently caught up with Chris for a quick Q&A session about his artwork.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background as an artist.
A: I have studied art my whole life. From private classes as a youth, to graduating from CCAD. I started my own business while I was attending CCAD and have been doing so ever since. My business evolved into Creative Spot – marketing, advertising, design, interactive. I’ve also been a member of the Ohio Art League for the past 5 years and am currently on the Board of the Ohio Art League.
Q: I was told that you’re an encaustic (wax) painter. What do you like most about this medium?
A: Encaustic is an incredibly versatile medium. I’ve only been working in encaustic for about three years and am very much still learning and experimenting with the medium. It is not very easy to control and one needs to “go with the flow” when trying to control the medium. I also like the fact that very few people work in encaustic. Most don’t even know what it is. It’s very tactile and has a pleasant smell of bees wax. I often encourage people to touch and smell the art.
Q: Tell us a bit more about the balance between working as a creative professional at Creative Spot and as an individual artist.
A: Having an outlet for undictated creative expression is a great thing for any creative person. I love what I do professionally but there are limits to what you can do when you are ultimately answering to a client and working towards the goals of the client. With my artwork, I’m only working towards the creation of my own visions. Much of what I create is still based on my background as a graphic designer but I have complete freedom with my creations.
Q: You currently have a show up at Sage American Bistro. Tell us a bit more about that show.
A: My show at Sage American Bistro on High Street in Clintonville is the first group showing of my encaustic work. The works are non-representational works of color, pattern and texture. Some of the pieces incorporate elements of nature and a grouping of the pieces explore the relationships of patterns in white on white. The works will be up through the end of August.
Q: Do you have any other upcoming shows where people can check out your work?
A: I have a piece in the upcoming “Art for Life” event. I also have a solo show in November in the art gallery at King Avenue Methodist Church located at the corner of Neil Avenue and King Avenue.
More information about Chris can be found at CreativeSpot.com/Chris.
My Gosh, thought that was a pciture of me 20 years ago!
I had to look at it about eight times.
Son………………………?
Congrats, Chris! Glad to hear your story see a few of your pieces. We were introduced to encaustic art in July in Sagatuck, MI and purchased our first–and love it. Can’t wait to check out your King Ave exhibit!