Chris Hodge
Chris Hodge has been working on art since a very early age. He works intuitively incorporating various symbols, and thoughts into his artwork. Influenced by such artists as Ivan Albright, Albrecht Durer, and Hieronymus Bosch, his art tells stories in great detail focused on the element of line. His body of work has been described as “obsessive narrative,” articulating his imagination while allowing for the work to take on a life of its own. Starting with sketches and very loose pencil lines, Chris Hodge prefers to render his artwork in ink, due to the high level of commitment that ink requires. Once a line in ink is placed there is no turning back, and if a mistake is made one must find a way to either cover the line, or incorporate it. This allows for his artwork to evolve as he creates it. “I believe the imagination to be a dream-like, fuzzy thing, and it isn’t able to be defined until it is born into some form of creation.”
Chris Hodge started his art education at Waubonsee Community College, and continued his studies at North Central College where he received a Bachelor’s in Art Education. Chris Hodge is currently an art teacher in the Midwest. He also holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Administration from North Central College.
Chris Hodge has recently illustrated posters for the Aurora Greenfest, Aurora Museum Week, and artwork for the West Chicago History Museum. He has recently exhibited artwork during the monthly “Artbar” show at Two Brother’s Roundhouse in Aurora; The Norris Art Gallery in St. Charles, and had an opening at Water Street Studios in Batavia titled “In The Marvelous Real.” He has an upcoming group show in January at the Paramount Theater in Aurora.
To contact the artist you can email: diebox1984-art@yahoo.com, visit the artist’s website at www.chodgeart.com, or follow on Instagram @chodgeart
How did you discover your talent/medium?
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or creating artwork. My parents always encouraged me to create and build things so it wasn’t so much about “discovering talent,” but more of a way of life growing up. When I started school, I would get positive feedback from teachers and my peers for making art, and this encouraged me to continue developing my artwork.
What influences you to create?
Ultimately, it’s my belief in God, and seeking to understand existence that influences my creation. I’m trying to make sense of the world around me and within me with by creating art.
What is the best thing about creating your unique artwork?
Well, it gives me a chance to explore imaginary worlds, and express my thoughts and ideas. When I was younger I would struggle with articulating my thoughts and expressing myself through words. Drawing became a way for me to communicate, and make connections with people.
What is the least exciting thing about creating your unique artwork or most challenging?
Sometimes it can be challenging to start a new artwork. I usually begin with some loose sketching, but it’s tough putting those first lines on your final paper. I know that I can get moving once I get those first lines out of the way, but those first lines are always difficult.
How has COVID-19 affected your work?
I have found Covid-19 to be a source of inspiration for my artwork. A few of my more recent artworks / cartoons have been created in response to Covid-19. The picture to the left is Stasis, created during this pandemic. And below is a gallery of my cartoons. Initially it was the strangeness of the situation and solitude that inspired me to create. In a sense, making artwork was my way of coping with the Coronavirus.
