Chris Corish’s painting & digital work explores the relationship of colours and shapes, drawing on influences from modern and postmodern art.

Chris has been practising as a visual artist since 2013 and in recent years has expanded his practice as well as working on a consultancy basis for organisations including Arts Council of Wales and Cadw. Having Studied Fine Arts at Aberystwyth University in Wales and Museum Studies at the University of Leeds in England, Chris has varied background and experience across the cultural and heritage sector.

How did your artistic journey start?
So, my artistic journey started by creating as a child coming from a very creative family. Growing up I was nurtured by many talented artists and teachers.

My first public exhibition was in 2013 with art school students at Sutton Library in South London. I began selling art in 2016 at age eighteen doing a stand at a large fair and organising an extensive solo show in a local church hall that I booked for four hours one Sunday afternoon. I borrowed easels from local schools and made display stands out of chipboard sheets from old furniture I’d broken up. A friend ran a ‘free bar’ dispensing wine my family had donated, although I’m sure he drank more than he served! 

My career properly took off in 2002, after completing my second degree in Museum Studies. My maternal grandma, who died before my birth, and many other members of my family are and were talented artists.

What inspires you to create?
I’ve been passionate about art from an early age and have had many varied experiences across the art sector working as gallery staff, curator, life model, arts and heritage consultant, and artist. 

I have always enjoyed making paper collages, which eventually led me to making geometric artworks. From this, I started to experiment more in-depth with collage and stencilled work in 2018. I developed my digital skills by planning my paintings and the digital work became its own thing.

 A key motivation for my work and art is bringing affordable art to the people. I have been fortunate to have many inspirational influences and teachers, as well as fellow artists and family over the years. The supportive community aspect of the art world is important. 

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
A lot of artists I have supported and tutored have said they want to be world-famous, which is a great ambition and enthusiasm. My advice would be to slow down and enjoy the journey, not stress about the destination. To crudely paraphrase an old art teacher of mine, ‘Don’t get too disheartened by rejection. Focus on small, achievable goals in your business to keep working towards your long-term passion.’

I’d advise new artists not to give up. The art world is very competitive and difficult but persevering does make a difference. By learning from your experiences, your artistic skills will develop. 

I’ve made a moderate income from art and building my network across the world but I certainly don’t feel I’ve quite made it yet. It’s important to have support from wonderful and helpful galleries (like the one we’re exhibiting in!) and to try to work with artist-run organisations. I am wary of some of the most expensive commercial galleries that charge you many thousands to exhibit; ‘vanity galleries’ as a friend of mine calls them.

Finally, always be respectful of anyone you speak to but don’t be a pushover. Build your network. There’s an old Scout song about getting to heaven, I have put the extract below: 

Oh, if you get to heaven before I do / Just dig a hole and pull me through
If I get to heaven before you do / I’ll dig a hole and spit on you

—Oh You’ll Never Go To Heaven (old Scout campfire song)

Make sure you’re pulling people up and helping your fellow artists. Don’t be the one spitting on people just because they’re a little behind you. Never get above yourself! 

What challenges did you experience during the creation of your work and how did you overcome them?
I have certainly faced all manner of challenges, from struggling to get paint to dry in the high humidity of Queensland, Australia, to minus temperatures inside my studio in West Wales, UK.

Outside of scheduling life around art, it’s especially challenging fulfilling temporary jobs in multiple other sectors, and managing personal commitments whilst being neurodivergent. 

How do you know when a piece is complete?
That’s a tough question because artists are their own worst critics and can often spot issues or things that could look better once on the wall. I have been known to dust paintings and clean frames of hanging works, much to the unusual looks from the gallery owners or viewers. One memory that stands out the most was the first time my fiancée saw my work in a show in her hometown. We went together and I was cleaning the frame of my work once on the wall, I got some strange looks from her and the gallery staff! 

Are there any upcoming events or additional information you would like the audience to know?
The next development for my artwork is to create a portraiture and pets series to accompany my current collection of works. I have work on display in a semi-permanent show in Harlech with regular work and a new gallery in Newport but always looking to meet new artists and galleries! 

Additionally, for any international travellers, we are very excited to be featuring in an exhibition outside Brisbane City Hall in Australia in October. I’m currently touring New Zealand trying to develop contacts on the edge of the world.

Chris Corish’s solo exhibition runs at Six Foot Gallery until Sep 12 2024. Connect with Chris on his website or his Instagram @chriscorishart