Ever so infrequently the idea and what appears in the first few brush strokes coincide. This was a quick study I did for the ‘Sense of South Whidbey’ painting. I love this little grump. I ended up changing the expression and pose for the final large painting, but this little guy has to be shared.
Through a series of studies and explorations of the island’s culture, the artist created a visual love letter to Whidbey Island. The painting brings together elements of the local businesses and wildlife capturing the essence of the island in a single scene. The artist hopes to convey a sense of connection and belonging, even in times of isolation and separation.
The painting is a celebration of the island’s unique character and a reminder of the importance of community and connection.
The painting’s composition, with its balanced arrangement of elements and its vibrant colors, draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore the scene and discover its hidden details. The painting is a testament to the power of art to connect us to each other and to the places we call home.
The artist hopes that viewers will take the time to slow down and appreciate the details of the painting, and perhaps see their own experiences reflected in its imagery. They may find themselves transported to the rugged shores of Whidbey Island, or simply inspired to explore and appreciate the beauty of their own surroundings. Ultimately, the artist hopes to convey a sense of hope, belonging, and possibility, even in uncertain times.
This painting is available for purchase:
SOLD – Original
In the painting ‘Octopus in a Purple Mason Jar’, the artist invites the viewer into a world of quiet wonder and discovery, where even the most ordinary objects can take on a life of their own.
The octopus, with its intelligent eyes and curious tentacles, seems to peer out from the mason jar, drawing us into its realm.
The artist’s use of color and texture gives the painting a dreamlike quality, as if we’re peering into another world. The purple mason jar, with its jewel-like hue, adds to the sense of magic and wonder.
The octopus, in all its complexity and otherworldliness, is a symbol of the mysteries that surround us, waiting to be explored.
The octopus, with its eight arms and bulbous head, has long been associated with mystery, intelligence, and transformation. In many cultures, the octopus is seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, with its many arms representing the many paths we can take in life. The mason jar, with its glassy transparency and airtight seal, is often seen as a symbol of protection and preservation.
In this painting, the octopus and the mason jar come together to create a metaphor for the way we protect and nurture our own inner wisdom and potential.
This painting is available for purchase:
In ‘Alarm Crow’, the artist captures the beauty and intelligence of a creature often overlooked in our society.
The close-up portrait draws the viewer in, inviting them to contemplate the creature’s wisdom and soulful gaze. The abstract swirls add a sense of mystery and wonder, suggesting a spiritual connection between the crow and the natural world.
In ‘Great Pacific Octopus’, Christian Hammer pays tribute to the Giant Pacific Octopus and the biodiversity of the ocean. Through the intricate depiction of this amazing creature, the artist invites the viewer to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The painting also serves as a reminder to take the time to notice the small details and hidden gems that are often overlooked.
It’s a celebration of life in all its forms, from the tiniest creature to the vast ocean itself.
The painting ‘Great Pacific (Octopus)’ is an invitation to connect with the natural world and to appreciate its wonders. The central octopus, rendered in intricate detail, draws the viewer in with its vibrant colors and lifelike presence. The abstract background creates a sense of mystery and distance, as if the octopus is a window into another reality.
Through this contrast, the painting highlights the importance of finding connection and meaning in the seemingly mundane and ordinary Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to notice the small moments of beauty around us. The octopus in the painting seems to suggest that we should take a moment to stop and look more closely at the world, to find the hidden gems that are often overlooked.
The Giant Pacific Octopus is an important part of the delicate balance of life in the ocean. As a keystone species, the octopus plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. Its presence affects many other species, from the algae and kelp it eats to the fish and other creatures that feed on it.
By depicting this one species in such detail, the artist reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the need to protect and preserve these delicate ecosystems.
This painting is available for purchase:
SOLD – Original
In ‘Bottles and Fish’, the artist explores the complex relationship between humanity and nature. The juxtaposition of the fancy bottles and humble goldfish represents the way that humans often elevate material objects while overlooking the value of the natural world. At the same time, the vibrant colors and intricate details of the bottles show that even in our artificial creations, we cannot escape the beauty and complexity of nature.
The goldfish, with its bright colors and lively energy, is a symbol of hope, luck, and perseverance.
Despite its small size and humble surroundings, the goldfish seems content and at peace. This can be seen as a metaphor for the human capacity to find joy and meaning even in difficult circumstances. It also speaks to the resilience of nature, which can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
In the context of the pandemic, ‘Bottles and Fish’ becomes a powerful statement about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. The artist invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the beauty that exists all around us, even in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming. It’s a reminder to take time for self-care and to find joy in everyday moments.
The bottles represent the material world and the busyness of modern life.
They’re colorful and eye-catching, but also empty and hollow. The emptiness of the bottles is a reminder that material possessions can only bring fleeting happiness. They’re no substitute for the peace and contentment that comes from connecting with nature and finding meaning in simple things.
The message of ‘Bottles and Fish’ is ultimately one of hope and resilience. Even in the darkest and most uncertain times, there is still beauty to be found. The goldfish, with its simple joy and perseverance, is a symbol of the human spirit and our capacity to find light even in the darkest places.
The painting is a celebration of the strength of the human heart and the healing power of nature.
This painting is available for purchase:
SOLD – Original
In ‘Raven Calling’, the artist portrays the raven as a mysterious and powerful creature, emerging from the darkness like a messenger from the void. The use of abstract swirls and fiery colors suggests a spiritual connection, as if the raven is calling out to something beyond our understanding.
The profile view gives the raven a sense of strength and majesty, as if it is surveying the world from on high
The painting ‘Night Octopus’ is a meditation on memory and the way our experiences shape our perceptions. The reclaimed wood on which the painting is created serves as a metaphor for the way our memories are layered and imperfect, with traces of the past still visible beneath the surface. The ghostly imprints of past paintings represent the way our past experiences influence our present perceptions, even if they are not always consciously remembered.
The wood in this painting has lived many lives before it became a canvas for this artwork. It was once a living tree, growing and thriving in a forest. Then it was cut down and transformed into something new, perhaps a piece of furniture or a home.
After years of use, it was eventually discarded and reclaimed, finding new purpose as the substrate for this painting.
The octopus is a fascinating creature, with its eight arms and incredible intelligence.
In this painting, the octopus represents the complexity and mystery of the human mind. Its many arms symbolize the many thoughts, memories, and ideas that constantly swirl within our minds. The swirling patterns in the background represent the way these thoughts and memories often feel abstract and hard to grasp.
In a sense, our minds are like a vast ocean, with thoughts and memories like currents and waves. The octopus in the painting is like a guide through this ocean of the mind, helping us to navigate and make sense of it all.
The purpose of this painting is to remind us that our minds are a rich and complex place, full of possibility and wonder. The octopus and the swirling patterns represent the mystery and fluidity of thought, while the reclaimed wood speaks to the endurance of the human spirit. This piece is an invitation to explore our inner worlds, and to find beauty and meaning in the depths of our own minds.
In ‘First Dive’, the artist Christian hammer explores the concept of memory, recursion, and the way our experiences shape our sense of self. The image of the lionfish, rendered with exquisite detail, is a symbol of a pivotal moment in the artist’s life. The lionfish represents the thrill and excitement of new experiences, while the reclaimed wood on which the painting is created speaks to the enduring nature of memory.
This work is both a personal reflection and a universal celebration of the power of experience.
The artist’s use of color and light in this piece is a key element of the work’s impact. The vibrant hues of the lionfish, set against the muted tones of the background, create a sense of intensity and focus. The play of light and shadow across the surface of the wood adds a sense of depth and texture, inviting the viewer to explore the image in detail.
In ‘First Dive’, the artist builds on the remains of a previous work, like the way our current experiences are built on the foundations of our past. The lionfish, rendered with striking vibrancy, represents a pivotal moment in the artist’s life. The textures and patterns of the surface, with traces of the old painting still visible, evoke the way our memories and experiences are always in flux, with new layers constantly being added.
The artist’s use of light and shadow in ‘First Dive’ is a crucial element of the work. The interplay of light and dark creates a sense of depth, suggesting the hidden corners of the mind that we may never fully understand. The shadows seem to hold secrets, inviting the viewer to peer into the darkness and discover what lies within.
This contrast between light and shadow adds to the overall feeling of mystery and discovery.
Through ‘First Dive’, the artist invites the viewer to explore the transformative power of art and memory. The image is not simply a representation of a lionfish, but a journey into the depths of the mind. It is a reminder that our experiences and memories have the power to shape us, to transform us, and to lead us on a path of discovery and growth.
In this way, the painting is both a window into the past and a doorway to the future.