Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Batten
Hi Christopher, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been drawing since the age of 4, but my 1st grade teacher and 2nd grade art teacher identified a certain level of talent in what I was doing as a young child. After having a drawing I made of a clown at age 7 be featured in a citywide art exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts, a seed was definitely planted for me to pursue a career as a visual artist in the future. Also, my sister, uncle, father, and various cousins inspired me with their artistic talent as I was developing. My maternal grandparents were creatives as well. My grandmother was a ceramicist and my grandfather was a photographer. Moreover, my mother’s flair for fashion and relentless support greatly impacted my growth. I was fortunate to go to a college preparatory high school (Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan) where I received professional level art instruction over the 4 years I attended. I was able to produce a formidable portfolio and was awarded a scholarship to attend the Columbus College of Art and Design. I went there for a year, then completed my undergraduate education at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. After earning my BFA, I experimented with various styles of drawing and painting, did some mural work, taught art to children, and exhibited my work as much as I could. Eventually, I felt like something was missing from my studio practice, so I went on to graduate school at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2015. I learned so much about painting (and artmaking in general), which served as a catalyst for the experimentation that takes place in my practice today. Grad school also afforded me the opportunity to teach art at the college level. Aside from being a contemporary artist, I’m also an art educator and last year I began teaching drawing (as an adjunct professor) at Morgan State University. It’s been a dream of mine to teach at an HBCU, and I’m now very fortunate to be doing that. Teaching also lends a ton to my studio art practice and has contributed heavily to the growth I’ve seen within what I’m making.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I has not been a smooth road at all. Most people don’t see a career in the arts as a viable option, so me pursuing art has put a strain on some of my family and romantic relationships over the years. As a result, a few of my interpersonal relationships have ended temporarily or permanently in favor of me being able to peacefully pursue my aspirations. Moreover, I had to support myself with jobs that had nothing to do with art, as I was building my career. I spent several years working in retail, and I worked at a lawn care company for a while. I didn’t necessarily like those jobs, but they did help me keep my bills paid and purchase art supplies. Also, the word “no” is quite frequent when you’re an artist. Though I’ve had some significant wins during my career thus far, I’ve definitely faced some major losses. I’m currently in the midst of a four year period of being turned down for every artist residency I’ve applied for. The amount of rejection I’ve faced is definitely hard to deal with at times, but I’ve also learned the value of counting my blessings. As an art educator, I’ve seen the heartbreaking struggles some of my students deal with, which saddens me from time to time. Overall, opposition has come in many forms over the years but I’ve also had a good amount of support and encouragement from family and close friends. Though the struggles have not been few, I’ve been careful to build a solid support system around me to reinforce my will to keep going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a painter/draftsman who makes abstract and representational work. I have a particular interest in the intersection of abstraction and representation. I’m also an art educator, which I consider to be another aspect of my studio practice. I currently teach at Bard High School Early College Baltimore, Morgan State University, and the Maryland Institute College of art. I learn a ton from witnessing my students grapple with a myriad of visual problems. I have become known for my use of color, particularly in relation to how I paint skin tones. Also, I’ve been told my portraits have a familiarity to them that people from all walks of life can connect with. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on my students over the years. Several students have thanked me for the knowledge I’ve shared with them during their time in my class(es). In terms of a specific accomplishment, I’m proud that I was selected by Johns Hopkins University to paint a portrait of the late great Elijah Cummings. It was a huge honor to have been chosen to represent a man with such an immense legacy. Last, I’m proud that I’ve learned to appreciate the unique value I bring to the world by simply being and loving myself.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’ve lived in Baltimore for 9 years, and I believe this city really lives up to its nickname (Charm City). There are a lot of hidden gems here in the line of restaurants, cultural institutions, and beautiful scenery. I also love the art scene. Artists in this city are very hard-working, innovative, supportive, and overall inspiring. As an added bonus, Baltimore reminds me a lot of my hometown (Detroit, Michigan). The only thing I’d complain about is I believe the public transit system could use some refinement/expansion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cbatten.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbattenart/
