I Heart Chris Uphues
Art is one of those funny things that’s only worth what the highest bidder will pay, and like fashion, a piece can really speak to me while others may find it hideous. In this case, I don’t think you’ll find anything this artist does to be hideous. At the very least, it will put a smile on your face…
If you haven’t heard of Chris Uphues, don’t worry…you’ll get to know him today. I actually only found out about Chris very recently — he was selling these amazing heart ornaments at Dose Market in December and he also provided the backdrop for anyone who wanted to take some fun photos while they were in attendance. Because of this I now one day wish to have a CHRIStmas tree full of CHRIS Uphues goodness…and I’m glad I’ve discovered someone whose art I connect with. Bonus? He’s got those Chicago roots.
So with a current collaboration with LOFT and the fact that I just learned Chris has a pet monkey, I thought an interview was in order. If these hearts make you then I suggest you keep reading…
Let’s start with the usual stuff — tell me about yourself, your background, etc.
I grew up in Berwyn, Ilinois which is right outside Chicago. It just looks like any Chicago neighborhood with lots of little brick bungalows. I got really into art at a young age and read any art history book I could take out at the library. Later, in high school I started taking college classes at the Art Institute of Chicago on the weekends, and then went there for college. It was a pretty straight path.
I first discovered you at Dose Market this year over the holidays…how did you get in with Dose?
April Francis, the mastermind behind Dose Market, contacted me after seeing my pieces in Linda Warren Projects (a gallery in Chicago) and stumbling across my images on Instagram; she asked if I’d like to participate and it sounded like a ton of fun. It was a great reason to come back home to Chicago and I really loved creating the backdrop for the SmileBooth. April is a blast to work with and I highly suggest checking out Dose Market.
Agreed. Dose is the BOMB. As far as your art goes, I know you do more than just hearts but they seem to be your signature. Were they always your thing? Any significance behind them?
No, hearts were definitely not my thing. They actually started as an accident. In the late 90’s I had friends that were part of the street art crowd and I have to admit I was sort of luke warm with the whole scene. A lot of the work was super aggressive or really trying to be “edgy” so my idea was to try and make the softest street art and do it in brightest neon colors. It really caught on. I never had a BIG idea behind it all but a lot of people tell me that the hearts make them smile. I really like that.
It’s true…I’m smiling right now! What’s your favorite piece of work you’ve ever created?
Im not sure I can answer that. I’ve had alot of fun over the years making everything from paintings and drawings to large scale sculptures and installations as well as comics, animations and toys. It would be like picking a favorite child…
Fair enough. Although this LOVE seat you did is pretty spectacular. Speaking of children, though, do you really have a pet monkey? (I read this in your bio). If so, please elaborate…
My monkey (Del) has been getting a lot of press requests lately and while I am not willing to send out pictures of him, just know that he is sitting here with me now staring out the window wearing a silk top hat and monocle.
Sounds badass. What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Another incredibly difficult question… I’m truly enjoying the windows and animation I did for LOFT, especially the one in Times Square. The scale of the work is so huge and bright and the sound from the animations is blaring (you can hear it as you’re walking up from the train) and so many people are stopping and taking pics of themselves in front of the windows. For me that’s really fun to watch. The whole LOFT collaboration has been incredibly special.
It’s such a perfect collaboration. I took a few photos myself! Any other comments on your LOFT collaboration?
LOFT was super supportive and really helped me bring my vision to life. Its a great company that values optimism and having fun so we got along famously! I’m so happy I had the chance to work with such an amazing team of talented people. Truly a pleasure.
I wasn’t lying about those photos…and yes I felt it was necessary to hold that heart’s hand. Couldn’t leave him hanging! To go along with these incredible installations Chris did, he also created t-shirts for LOFT…that are just so damn cute. If you haven’t been be the LOFT on Michigan Avenue (pictured above), get there soon…as the installation only goes through the end of this month.
You should also get yourself a t-shirt. They’re super comfortable, they have this rolled sleeve that I really appreciate (when it comes to a good tee, it’s all on the details), and of course they have a Chris Uphues signature that will make everyone smile like they’re in a Crest Whitestrips commercial.
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Good stuff, right? No, actually GREAT stuff. Be sure to check out Chris’s website and you can even shop some of his quirky creations on Etsy.
What do you think of his work? Have you heard about Chris Uphues before? Thoughts on the LOFT collaboration?
Images via Chris Uphues, last two photos by Heather Talbert
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