Meet Chris Czaja

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Czaja.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a young child, I did not find joy in the most typical ventures. Instead, you could find me underneath the jungle gym, drawing a treasure map for the great vessel I was designing that would soon set sail. With creativity, my imagination became my closest ally.

Please tell us about your art.
As an artist, my main outlet is through visual art. I make paintings, drawing, and prints. I approach art in a playful manner. Some of my favorite moments at an exhibition are seeing strangers smile and laugh at the subtle jokes that I have tried to imbue in my work.

I try to adapt the materials and style of the work to the central theme or idea. My interests are not exclusive to humor, and my most recent work is a personal exploration of family history. As creativity has been an escape for me, I hope that my work transports the viewer to a positive place.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I am still figuring out what it means to be a contemporary painter and my role in the artistic community. My other passion is inspiring young people to be creative. As an elementary and middle school art teacher in central Phoenix, I am so fortunate to show students that anyone can be creative.

As an artist, I work in so many mediums, and I think it is important for all artists to test their limits. As an educator, my goal is to show students that art is not just about drawing the most representational work. I love when students succeed at mediums they have never tried, whether that be ceramics, printmaking, or papermaking.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I try to participate in as many groups shows as I can around the Phoenix area. You can also view my artwork on my website (www.chrisczaja.com) or on my Instagram page (@chrisczaja).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chrisczaja.com
• Email: christopherczaja@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chrisczaja

Image Credit:
Josh Loeser

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