Chris Clamp is a contemporary realist still life painter. Growing up in Leesville, SC, he spent much of his time combing through odds and ends in his grandfather's barn, divining stories about their importance and meaning. Now, he sources all manner of vintage objects with nostalgic resonance to compose universal narratives in his own work. His deft abilities with oil paint elevate his subjects beyond pure kitsch and into portrait-like territory. Clamp lives and works in Charlotte, North Carolina.
About
My recent work continues my exploration of the commonplace object, now as a vehicle to somewhere greater. Objects, no matter how ordinary, hold a magic and a power that can transport us to different times and realms, depending on how they are arranged, used or treated. My new paintings showcase this phenomenon through isolation and dynamic composition. When I consider these paintings, the phrase “far from home,” comes to mind. For me, it refers to the effect nostalgia can have. Memories can comfort and they can also emphasize how much distance there is between then and now. My hope is always that my paintings will cause viewers to engage with their own memories and perhaps be transported.