Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Monette Appleton.
Chris, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A California native, I grew up in Manhattan Beach. Art has always been a part of my life. I was a fine art major in college. Since fine art doesn’t always pay the bills I spent many years in the business world managing finance and administration departments for a consulting firm where I was also the art director. I did all of the illustration and cartooning for their advertising and training efforts as well.
Eventually, I was able to return full time to painting and drawing. I spent several years in Palm Desert and ten years in Washington DC. While in DC I was a part of the Touchstone Gallery, the AIM Gallery and had a studio at the Lorton Workhouse. I was regularly accepted in the juried shows at the Torpedo Factory. I have also been accepted in and won awards at many National juried shows.
Today, I have a studio at The Foundry Artist Studios which are part of the New Village Arts Theater in Carlsbad Village. At present there are 14 Foundry artists sharing the space where we have monthly receptions featuring our artists and are open to the public.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are indeed some challenges for a fine artist trying to make a living. Many of us leave the full-time world of art because, like everyone, we need to pay the bills. Trying to juggle both worlds is difficult. I was lucky to be able to return to fine art full time because my husband makes a good living and is very supportive of my endeavors. I always felt, when I was working in the business world, a longing for the work that I am now able to do full time. My heart goes out to those artists who are unable to practice their craft because of financial needs.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My recent work is mostly abstract and/or figurative mixed-media. I also enjoy drawing using various media. My paintings often combine drawing and painting using acrylics, watercolor, crayons, inks, pigment pens and collage. I like creating large busy pieces that I can become involved with for a long time. For me it’s about the process though I enjoy occasionally adding a subtle political or social comment. I like working with layers, details and bold color. Being at The Foundry has enabled me to be with a community of artists, which is very supportive of the creative process. My studio here also allows a level of productivity that I have difficulty achieving in my home studio.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Carlsbad Village as a studio location. I can take a break from painting and take a short walk – and be sitting in the sand at the beach. The Village atmosphere is diverse – skateboarders zoom by, surfers, fine restaurants, taco shops, locals, tourists, the old blended with the new – the old blended with the young. There is a creative energy here that is exciting and inspiring. Plus, my studio is about ten steps away from Handel’s Ice Cream. The only negative is the parking can be difficult.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrismonetteappleton.com
- Phone: 7604139008
- Email: cmappleton@icloud.com
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
