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Impressionist / Los Angeles, California
Christopher Galligan, a California native living in
Los Angeles, began painting at age 11. He left the United
States at an early age to travel and live in many cities
throughout Europe. While studying the history, art and
culture of the people who would become his new friends
and neighbors, Galligan supported himself through acting
and modeling. He later returned to Southern California,
where his love of surfing, sports, beaches, desert and
mountains serve as artistic inspiration and a source
of renewal.
Galligan's work is the culmination of his imagination,
introspection and the many artistic forms and styles
in which he is comfortable, ranging from abstract to
impressionist. His style can best be described as an
ever-changing collection of thoughts and images that
reflect the artist’s ideas and emotions. By adding
his own mix of whimsical realism—which he's coined
"whimism"—with the unique personality
of his animal subjects, Galligan's pet portraits are
truly a breed apart.
Although he is constantly experimenting with new ways
to express himself artistically, the one constant in
Galligan's work is the freedom of expression that comes
when paint meets surface. In 2000, he discovered wooden
"pallet tops," which are typically used to
secure and protect loads of paper. "I started painting
on them and found them to be a unique surface unlike
anything I’d ever seen,” Galligan recalls.
"People heard I was painting like a madman, so
some of them started saving the tops for me. Now I make
my own, and the process has been a huge part of my journey
as an artist. I love the way paint and wood mingle together!"
Inspired by this new discovery, Galligan expanded to
painting on porcelainized metals (washer and dryer panels),
woods, canvas and various other mediums that enhance
the style, texture and look of his creations.
Chris Galligan is the proud father of two sons, who
continuously give him the motivation to keep refining
and reinventing his craft. A strong proponent of child
and animal welfare, Galligan often donates his work
to support assistance organizations, and a portion of
every sale goes to nonprofit groups who share his ideals
of peace, harmony and happiness for all living creatures.
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