Artist Interview with Chris Heath

New Zealander Chris Heath has a unique approach to art. Many of us have a story that is our own. There is often a thread that keeps repeating throughout our lives and helps to define us. Something that we just keep going back to because it is integral to who we are. Chris is no different.

He fell in love with geometry at an early age and never looked back. Shapes and how they interact in spaces became a passion for him. Now he uses geometry to make beautiful art and design.

It’s a super fascinating process that earned him a spot at a TEDx Talk…

Listen to Chris explain art through his lens, using geometry to position elements, and how to create negative space, among other things. You might even have a laugh here and there.

I was very lucky to get a chance to ask Chris a few questions about his journey. Read on to learn a bit more about Chris.

Q. What was the main reason you decided to be an artist.

Chris Heath: It was when I was at university and feeling despondent about studying sciences. On a bus trip back home, I dreamt of ornate buildings and design, and this lead to me setting up a business as a decorative artist on finishing my BSc. My clients were architects and interior designers. I worked on the restoration projects of some of Auckland’s prominent historic buildings, and designed and stencilled patterns on bespoke items of furniture for some of Auckland's most expensive homes.

Q. What are your favorite mediums and subject matters?

Chris Heath: I like working with oils because they are so forgiving. Having said that, overlaying oils over acrylics and vice versa can create some interesting effects.

I’ve always been interested in botany and geometry. So, subtly combining the two is a recurring theme for me.

Q. What is your advice to artists who are thinking about giving up?

Chris Heath: Sometimes we hold ourselves back as artists out of fear of what other people might think or say about our artistic endeavours. So be kind and forgiving of others, and this in turn will give you the confidence to be kind and forgiving of yourself and your own work. After all, if we nourish our own thoughts with what we need to grow as an artist, there will be no time for cogitating over what other people might be thinking or saying! The mind is like a garden that grows whether want we want it to, or not. As artists we need to continually sow and nurture the positive thoughts, otherwise the weeds can take over and self-doubt takes hold!

Q. What would be your message to an aspiring artist?

Chris Heath: Never let go of your dreams to be an artist. Even if you have to hold down a demanding job because you have responsibilities, always find some reflective time for yourself and your art. Always aim for a work/life balance in your life. 

Thanks Chris for those words of wisdom and for sharing your interesting history with us!! Working on historical buildings in Auckland must have been an incredible experience. It’s all very inspiring!

You also can take Chris’s art classes.

Yes! You can now learn from Chris to get step by step instruction on his processes for art, creating patterns, icon design, and lettering. Within his classroom, you’ll find a number of awesome projects you can create for yourself to build your skills.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about Chris Heath and how he found his way to art! : ) Have a comment? I’d love to hear about it below.