Koi Bounded and Content

Oil Painting on reclaimed wood panel by Christian Hammer

In this painting, the artist Christian Hammer explores the idea of boundaries and contentment, using the metaphor of a koi fish living within the reclaimed wood panel. The koi’s acceptance of its limited space represents the idea that contentment can be found within any boundaries, and that true happiness comes from appreciating the present moment.

The koi’s peaceful posture further convey the idea of contentment and acceptance. The reclaimed wood panel, with its rough and textured surface, suggests the passage of time and history. The imperfections of the wood are celebrated, adding beauty and interest to the painting.

The koi seems to embody the spirit of the wood, finding beauty and meaning within its limits.

The wood was once part of a living tree, with its own journey from seedling to maturity. Then, it was harvested and used for a practical purpose. Finally, it was reclaimed and repurposed into a work of art.

Each stage of its existence has given it new meaning and value, and this adds depth and complexity to the painting.

The fact that this is the third painting on this panel adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the artwork. The previous paintings, though mostly erased, still leave their mark, like the shadows of past lives. They add depth and texture, both physically and metaphorically, giving the koi’s journey a sense of history and resonance.

It’s as if the koi is not only content in its present moment, but also accepting of the journey that led it there.

Original is sold, prints are available: $400

Alarm Crow – Oil Painting

Painting by Christian Hammer

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.

Raven Call – Oil Painting

Raven Calling, an oil painting by Washington artist Christian Hammer — 16″ x 20″ Oil Painting on Canvas by Christian Hammer 2022

Oil painting – Raven Calling by artist Christian Hammer

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

Night Octopus – Oil Painting

Light colored octopus on a blue abstract background 'Night Octopus' is an oil painting by Washington based artist Christian Hammer — 16″ x 12″ Oil painting on reclaimed wood panel by Christian Hammer in 2022

Review of Night Octopus

an Oil painting by the artist Christian Hammer

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.

First Dive – Oil Painting on Reclaimed Wood

Oil painting of a Lion Fish commemorating my first SCUBA dive. First Dive is an Oil Painting on Reclaimed Wood by Washington based artist Christian Hammer — 16″ x 10″ Oil painting on reclaimed wood panel by Christian Hammer 2020

Critique of First Dive an Oil painting by the artist Christian Hammer

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.