What, How & Why: A Closer Look - Featuring Christopher Galley

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that they send to us and by the stories they share.
In our "What, How & Why" interview series, we take a closer look at some of these fascinating people.

We've asked each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Please read on to find out more about Christopher Galley.

Christopher Galley
Artist
Buffalo, NY 

What do you do? 
My work is an amalgamation of me.  All the stuff that I always thought was cool or that I was interested in is included in my work.  Good, bad or otherwise, it all goes in.  This all happens through a mixed media process that incorporates influences ranging from fine art, graphic design and street art processes.  

The purpose behind my work is to establish a line of visual communication between the viewer and the work. It’s a place where the viewer has enough room to create their own interpretation based on their personal experience and attitudes, while still entertaining my idea behind the work. 

How do you do it? 
I probably paint every picture about 50 times in my head before I actually start physically working anything up.  Once I have an idea, I obsess on it.  I’ll wake up at 3:30 in the morning with my brain going a hundred miles an hour on all of the possibilities.  I try to research my subject to round out what I’m trying to put together.  That always helps me evolve my original concept.  Once all of that is complete I jump on the computer.  

Part of the concept behind my work is that its about juxtapositions and connections.  I do a lot of computer work at school.  I teach graphic design and digital photography and I’ve done my fair share of contract design work outside of the 9 to 5.  It always felt a little artificial.  I like working on the computer and I’m fairly adept at it, but it lacks the handmade connection.  It always felt like “cheating” to me.  My painting is a way to connect both the digital and handmade.  My first “sketches” are almost always digital.  Everything after that is done by hand. 

I get a lot of people who see my work and assume that I screen print all of the large images.  They’re always surprised when I tell them that it’s all hand drawn.  The background of my images is a collection of collage, acrylic and enamel paint, wheat paste and personal mementos.  It’s the place where I am able to communicate the “story” in my work.  It’s the place where all of my research comes alive. 

Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?
That’s an easy one!  Quality, cost effectiveness and customer service make iPrintfromHome.com the only option I consider for my print work. I am continually impressed by the individual attention that is offered to me as a customer.  I always feel like a valued customer when I come in to pick up my orders. the quality of the giclee prints has allowed me to expand my reach as an artist.  My customers have continually commented about the detail and color accuracy that my prints show.  All of this with a surprisingly affordable price! Without iPrintfromHome.com, I would not be able to do the number of shows I do every year.

Contact Information:

Christopher Galley
devilchickendesign.com