You come to the library for the books, DVDs and the like — and we love that. While you’re here, we hope you also treat your senses to the latest art on display in the children’s wing, thanks to the Lehigh Art Alliance and its talented members.
This month, you’ll be met with beautiful paintings by local artist Chris Hunsicker.
When Chris isn’t capturing nature on his canvas, or working, he’s playing the Native American flute.
We asked Chris to tell us how he got started in art and what inspires and challenges him …
I started painting when I was five years old. I can remember when my mother bought me my first pet set of Liquitex acrylics and a few canvases.
When I was a teenager, I found the beauty of the landscapes around me growing up in Germansville (PA). One summer evening at 16 years old when I could not go to the mall with my friends, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets that is still fresh in my memory today, and decided to paint it instead of trying to win an argument of going to that mall with my friends.
At that moment I knew art was alive within me.
Did you pursue formal art training?
I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and graduated with a degree in Advertising and Design, but with no professional training in Painting or Fine Arts, my creative energy was like a hunger, a need to fulfill.
What’s your biggest challenge, and what achievements are you most proud of?
The hardest challenge was to keep that energy lit while having to make a living doing jobs that were not always conducive to my creativity and well-being, but I managed and reminded myself of who I really was, and that my purpose is to create.
I am very happy to be part of the Lehigh Art Alliance and proud to be with this great talent of fellow artists. My greatest success is just staying true to myself and to relish on the side of humbleness while at the same time sharing these creative endeavors.
What’s your advice for anyone who wants to explore art, but can’t seem to find the time or feels intimidated by a blank canvas?
For those who think they have no creative talent, I say to you, “have you really tried?” You might be surprised what is inside of you; when things are blank, just paint your soul.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
My ultimate goal is to touch the hearts of others with my landscapes, infusing light in a way that the viewer might feel as I did when I hiked there — to bring a bit of my spirituality to assist the viewer on a possible journey toward enlightenment. I will paint some of these landscapes where I had also played my Native American style flute, which I play for Alzheimer and dementia patients, and for those who suffer with anxiety or depression. Some of these places are nearby and I will try my best to touch your heart with them. Explore and enjoy!
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ART@EPL is the library’s exciting partnership with the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. The series is funded through a grant from PA Partners in the Arts, making it possible for area residents to enjoy free art lectures and workshops from local artists working in pastels, charcoal, sculpture, and watercolor among others.
Visit the ART@EPL page to see all the artists who have led workshops and exhibited work at the library as part of ART@EPL.
