Blast Bouquet | Bronze | Dimensions Variable | 2009
Santa Fe Scene | Coyote Skull + 23k Gold | 3" x 4" x 8" | 2013
Depreciate | Found Object + 23k Gold | 4" x 3" x .5" | 2015
Floppy Disk | Cast Iron | 3.5" x 3.5" x 0.125" | 2014
Artist Statement: Chris Collins is a sculptor whose work focuses on the found object. Over time, his artistic practice has utilized the process of collecting and re-presenting objects. Objects are chosen according to their use, form, and context. In many instances, these found objects are molded, sometimes altered, and then reproduced into a new contextually suitable material. Through this language of things, he has explored such themes as play, power, control, financial structures, obsolescence, science, religion, fetish, and language itself. It is the process of collection in itself that fuels Collins’ conceptual understanding of the object. His current work examines the following questions by dealing with themes of technology and the passage of time: How will the objects of our daily lives define us through the lens of history? What will citizens of the future think of our legacy of things? What objects will ultimately represent us? Will our technological objects define our culture, and perhaps be its greatest mystery? These objects put forth a possible future history.
Chris Collins is a sculptor and found object artist. Born and raised in Alabama, he has a BFA in painting from University of Montevallo and an MFA from Memphis College of Art. For the last decade, he has been primarily engaged with the metal casting process, working in several foundries, and becoming a highly skilled foundry artisan in that period of time. His current work deals with themes of technology, science, nature and the passage of time. In addition to his art practice, Chris is co-owner of Santa Fe Collective, a boutique gallery and multipurpose art space. Apart from art and work, he is an avid hiker and a prolific gardener. He lives in Santa Fe, NM and is married to artist Jennifer Joseph.