Christopher Santer highlights the beauty and mystery of the natural world through drawings and paintings in arcylic, coal, and charcoal. “My work has always been connected to the landscape and man’s imprint on the natural world. The often incongruous nature of this relationship creates a gray area between beauty and degradation, preservation and progress, and I find myself drawn to this no-man’s land,” he says.
Christopher began drawing, mostly buildings and bridges, from an early age. While remaining passionate about this interest, he has expanded his subjects and mediums over time.
“For much of my career, I’ve been somewhat of a chameleon. I’m currently drawing and painting Appalachian mountain portraits with coal, charcoal and acrylic as a massive memorial to the over 500 mountains devastated my Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining (MRT). I’ve done many sacred art commissions, and I will also be painting a 25 x 800 foot mural of the flood wall in my hometown of Parkersburg, WV over the next two summers.”
Christopher has been contributing his works to Art 4 Shelter since it began 11 years ago. He actively supports groups like Simpson who work to end homelessness. He also finds it a great way to get his students at Providence Academy to share their art and get involved with the community in a charitable way.
Christopher received the McKnight Fellowship for Visual Artists in 2006. His art has been shown at Viveza in Seattle, WA, Gallery Katz in Boston, MA, and for 15 years at the local Circa Gallery. Currently, Christopher works mostly by commission.
Originally from West Virginia, Christopher has lived in St. Paul for the past 22 years.
Christopher’s artwork may be found at www.christophersanter.com