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Artist Statement
Brian S. Christman Artist's Statement
Nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains is the small village of Kunkletown, PA 18058. Pop. 300 or so. It was there that I was born and spent the first 18 years of my life. My Mother, her Parents (Nana and PopPop) and my Great Grandmother (Mammy) lived in a very substantial farmhouse built in the late 1700's. in a Pennsylvania Dutch community Later, came my Dad, then my sister and many visiting Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Thanksgiving Dinner was set at a table for 18. I learned a great deal about life, family and creating and being surrounded by beautiful things from these folks. My grandmother taught me how to knit, crochet and sew on a treadle sewing machine My grandfather taught me how to drive and maintain tractors, trucks and cars. As well as planting and harvesting. My Dad taught me to hunt and fish. During lean winters we were grateful for freezers full of deer meat and rabbits, pheasants and fish. My Mom taught me the most basic values of life, hard work, dedication and the inspiration to go after whatever my dream might be. I taught myself to weave baskets and lampshades from the reeds in the meadow. I made clay pots and beads from the local sand quarry and fired them in a home-made kiln built with found bricks and sawdust. When I reached High-School I had the good fortune to have an Art Teacher with an open mind who allowed me to explore art while instilling in me the rules of perspective and the interaction of colors. Rules which I repeatedly exaggerate to stamp each piece of artwork as my own.
Since then many years and careers have past. After building and crumbling multi-million dollar business and opening 23 hotels in 18 months I finally crumbled myself. I was lucky enough to land at the Lamba Center at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington.. There I was diagnosed with a bi-polar disorder. With medication, therapy and most importantly Expressive Therapy I found my way back into the world. Since then I have learned to express myself with art and have found great peace of mind and centered my soul through my work. I often donate my pieces to organizations that foster the arts or support individuals like myself, who have suffered physical or psychological challenges With the support and love of my partner of 24 years, Thom Harris. I have had the good grace to have two studios, one at our home in Cheverly MD, as well as one at our home in Rehoboth Beach ,DE For more information please visit my website www.Briaanspaintings.com
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