In December 1975, Chris received his first telescope from hisparents and his interest in space flourished. He studied science fiction and astrology at California State University Long Beach while working as a delivery boy for his uncle?s video equipment supply. Chris adapted class assignments to space art themes, much to the dismay of his instructors. In his senior year he had two works displayed in the university’s annual show, which featured the best work in the art department. These two works also won awards in the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Annual Show. He was influenced by the work of David Mann from Easyriders and Chesley Bonestell, the master of space art.
In 1980 he moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., and received a bachelor?s degree in illustration. He quit his video company job in 1981 and picked up a small amount of freelance artwork.
In November 1981, his then-girlfriend Nancy set up a visit with Chesley Bonestell at his studio in Carmel to discuss his work with him. Six years later they visited and celebrated Bonestell’s 98th birthday.
In 1983, he and Nancy married and moved to Redondo Beach. They bought a home in south Torrance in 1986.
Chris spent 13 years working as an illustrator for Hughes Aircraft Co. He created detailed renderings of the space shuttle, communications satellites and other spacecraft for public relations, marketing and aerospace shows.
His artwork was commissioned for use in Hughes’ corporate headquarters and displayed throughout the company. After leaving Hughes, he spent 4.5 years restoring his home and rebuilding his bikes. Two ongoing bike projects include a 1972 Sportster and 1948 Flathead.
For his art, he uses vinyl-based paints and does water-based art, such asgouache on Strathmore paper, and paints graphics and art on thesides of motorcycles. In addition, he sells his own series of fine art,limited-edition prints. For information, call him at (310) 316-2790.
The crew at Bikernet is looking forward to having Chris’art on an up coming motorcycle project.
