Chris’s drawings and sculptures have been shown in solo and group shows in Anchorage, Homer and Seward, Alaska, and in Vermont. Two pieces are part of the public art of Anchorage. Her sculptures were named Best in Show in All Alaska Juried Sculpture Show in 2003. Since moving to Vermont Chris is a member of the Essex Art League, and has shown drawings and paintings in group shows in Vermont.
Chris grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Alaska as a fisheries biologist, where she realized her love of drawing and creating art reflecting the natural world. She received her B.F.A. in Sculpture, working in wood, stone and clay. Meanwhile, she raised a family and taught art in the public schools.
As a teacher of high school and middle school art, she encouraged her students to find ways to express themselves and to display their art, especially in public and in gallery shows. Retirement has brought her back to New England to create art full time. Here she has continued to integrate her dual interests in art and science.
Drawing people - observing people interacting and in solitude is where the inspiration comes from. English sculptor Henry Moore and Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz were important inspirations in her exploration of the human form. Their use of wood, stone and ceramic influenced her to use these materials which were also readily available in Alaska. With sculpture, the choice of material is important because the emotion of each piece speaks through the material. It influences of the process and is vital to the piece’s creative expression.
