CHRISTIAN ALEXANDER
Meet Christian Alexander, an award-winning visual artist and published poet who considers himself to be one of the many spiritual mediums for creative energy. Christian's inclination towards art has been driven by a need to communicate, which he illustrates through his paintings and exploration of various forms of artistic expression. Although he started college as an electrical engineering major, he eventually switched to art, and has since become a visual scientist, philosopher, and overall geek for any creative outlet. His art is driven by a message of spiritual premise, inspiring others to operate within love and lose themselves to the creative process.
THE INTERVIEW
What is your line of work?
Christian Alexander: “I consider myself to be one of the many spiritual mediums for creative energy. I am an artist in latent terms, but I consider myself to be much more. I am a visual scientist, philosopher, and an overall geek for any creative outlet. Simply put, I am an award winning visual artist, and a published poet.”
What made you want to pursue this kind of career?
Christian Alexander: “I like to think that this career chose me. I have always felt driven to express myself. In my earliest years I would constantly find myself in trouble from drawing on the walls at home and school, and I later found a passion for poetry through my older sister’s passionate exploration of spoken word. Although it wasn’t until college that I solidified myself in the pursuit of my passion after having changed my major from electrical engineering to art.”
Have you ever felt the need to leave your industry? Why?
Christian Alexander: “As much as I hate to say it, money can be a defining factor in an artist’s career. The strongest of us learn to push through those financial ruts by finding creative ways to adjust to a changing market; while others…not so much. Sometimes I find myself stepping away from my craft while learning to thrive in our capitalistic democracy, but I always find myself back in front of an easel one way or another.”
Where do you find inspiration?
Christian Alexander: “Inspiration used hit me hardest in environments where my mind should’ve been focused on anything but art. In my younger years I found most of my inspiration within a boring classroom; I’d find myself intensively drawing nearby objects and students to pass the time. Nowadays, my inspiration is derived from a multitude of places due to the simple fact that I’ve grown in awareness of my everyday life. I find shapes in shadows and within the negative space between cars on the road that influence the forms within my work. I find color theory inspiration within the sunrise and outfits of commuters. The different arrangements of rhythms in music inspires how I approach my compositions, and my faith inspires me to create despite any looming drive to procrastinate.”
Techniques for overcoming creative blocks?
Christian Alexander: “When I find myself with a creative blockage within a specific medium, It usually helps if I try a different approach within another medium. If I have trouble writing, then I’ll dance and find the words within my movements. If I start to become unsatisfied with painting, then it helps if I sit at a piano and experiment with melodies. Being within the stillness of nature helps me to focus my mind then I find it racing and stressed; this brings clarity, and opens my spirit for the universe to operate through me. When all else fails, I lay on the floor and scream until I make myself laugh.”
Describe your dream project.
Christian Alexander: “Currently, my dream project would be to create an animated music video for Fela Kuti. Honestly my hand would probably fall off in the process, or warp itself into a pencil, but it would be worth it! I would probably learn a ton about myself as well as the animation process… I would want to do everything the old fashioned way with nothing but a pencil and loads of paper.”
Do your other interests influence your art?
Christian Alexander: "My love for philosophy, music and metaphysics influences my approach and understanding of my practice. My approach involves me recognizing the basic anatomical structures of my subjects, imagining them as nameless objects, and turning each piece into a personal symphony that seemingly moves to its own tune. I have a strong STEM, and musical background alongside my extensive visual arts practice, and I've found myself blessed enough to be able to effectively combine those three branches of knowledge into conceivable projects.”
Do you have a formal art education or are you self taught? Why?
Christian Alexander: "I showed an intense passion for visual art from a young age and my mom, dad, and uncles helped to foster my growth and teach me basic techniques and theories behind approaching a work of art. As my studies progressed I found myself to be an advocate for YouTube University. I spent countless hours exploring the many master classes on advanced shading techniques, color theory, anatomy, and composition. I received a BS in Art with a concentration in Advertisement design from Clark Atlanta University in 2021, and I took every art class available at my university and high school. I believe that my formal education taught me to operate without fear while creating my art, and my self-teaching taught me how to find love within my craft.”
What message does your artwork portray?
Christian Alexander: “The message I hope to convey isn’t a socio-political one, nor is it an environmental one; it is instead a message of spiritual premise. I want my work to inspire people to operate within love, and fully lose themselves to the process. Our generation needs love more than ever, and I've made it my mission to spread the gospel as much as I can."
Christian Alexander's artistic journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and creatives alike. His unwavering passion, relentless pursuit of self-expression, and commitment to spreading love through his art make him a remarkable force in the world of creativity. As he continues to evolve and explore new avenues, his work promises to inspire and resonate with those who encounter it, leaving an indelible mark on the art world and beyond.
Click the links below to learn more.
