Chris Marcell Murchison
Lisbon, Portugal
Website
chrismurchison.com
Social Media
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
I would describe my work as a kind of portraiture, images of pensive characters in provocative poses and curious settings. The character could be anything - a person, animal, or curious object – and they seem to say, “I see you” and invite you, the viewer, to consider what might occupy their pensive glance. I am interested in the stories the character wants to tell and how those stories relate to me (the artist) and what it provokes in you (the viewer). I want my work to spark reflection, inquiry, and discovery.
What inspires you?
While I have dabbled in various art forms, right now I am very much drawn to collage.
Collage, as a method, excites me. Every time I sit down to create, I ask myself – “who am I today?” The collage process helps me answer that inquiry from my head, my heart, my body, and my soul. The process invites me to invade and explore my own privacy (quoting Janie Rhyne, a gestalt art therapist) and express my most authentic and creative self. As I look at my work over time, it illuminates a narrative of my life that is beyond the words I might have used to describe it. Collaging is a thrilling process and the results always intrigue and inspire me.
Can you speak about your process?
When I collage I am often in search of some truth—an honest expression of myself in the moment, the pursuit of beauty, or a creative inquiry into a big question or challenge. This is where the process begins, as an invitation to my soul to guide me. The process flows mysteriously from there. The intuitive cutting, arranging, and pasting of images produces something that captures the moment, an artifact of who I was that day. I don’t always understand the result, but often over time the collage, as an artifact, reveals its messages and, if I am listening, I learn and grow from them.
How did you become interested in art?
Not to be overly dramatic, but I think art saved me. As a quiet, shy, and sensitive child art was always an escape for me. It was my safe place and has continued to be through my adulthood. Making art, I can just be myself and let go of worries about the world “out there.” Art was and is a place where I get to experience flow, an enlivening alchemy of safety, passion, beauty, creativity, and competence. Art keeps me true to myself and able to act from that place of strength.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
The “favorites” question is always hard for me but two of my current faves are:
Caco Neves – I am very drawn to the work of the brilliant brazilian artist and designer, Caco Neves. He has the ability to strip an image down to its essence and from that simplicity convey extraordinary narrative.
Rick Rubin – Rick Rubin, music producer and recent best-selling author, has rocked my world with his insights into the creative process. I have underlined so much in his book, “The Creative Act,” that I could quote the entire work!
Some favorite quote -
“There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.” Rumi
“Create an environment where you are free to express what you’re afraid to express.” Anthony Grant
“Art is what happens when you dare to be who you truly are.” Unknown
What advice do you have for younger artists?
I have met so many older adults that are now returning to an arts practice they gave up when they were young. Jobs, careers, kids, criticism, and other things caused them to abandon art or not give it the attention it deserved. These wise elders are rediscovering themselves through art and now creating beautiful and wonderfully expressive art. They have come alive! So, my advice to younger artists is to keep your practice going, no matter what. Believe in your own innate creativity and ability and do the work, in grand or small gestures (it doesn’t matter). Create for you and care less about what others think.
Any more thoughts about art, creativity, or anything else you would like to share?
I like to think of my art as part of a reflexive practice. I enjoy producing work but the process of making art pleases me even more. Some call this “process art.” The benefits I get from the making – mindfulness, flow, energy, expanded awareness, discovery, and more – are priceless. Reflecting on my life experience through art helps me make sense of my past and present. And art helps me imagine and move towards the future in a more wise and intentional way.
