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Thu, Aug 9 2007

Artist Profile: Christopher Conte

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Artist: Christopher Conte

Website:
Christopher Conte

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How do you describe your work to those who are unfamiliar with it?
My work is a combination of things I love. I simply build the things I wish I had. My work expresses my fascination with advanced technology, specifically cybernetic organisms mixed with my admiration of relics from the past. Cyber-Mechanical Sculpture is perhaps the best way to describe it.

What is your creative process like?
Most often, I come up with a general concept, such as an insect, and then set out to hunt down parts which lend themselves well. Sometimes sketches play a roll, but more often I work with the parts alone. I prefer silence over music and often get lost in the process for hours on end.

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What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
Working in the field of prosthetics has given me a unique opportunity to be continually inspired by the merger of the organic and the mechanical. A strong theme in my work. The training has made me very familiar with space age materials such as carbon fiber and titanium while at the same time made me comfortable working with more common materials such as stainless steel and aluminum.

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Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Without question, I can’t live without a Dremel (or rotary tool).

Who are your influences?
Leonardo DaVinci was perhaps the first artist I became fascinated with. H.R. Giger was also a strong early influence in my work and still lives within the spirit of what I do to this day. Studying his paintings back in high school helped me see and understand beauty in a new way. Developing a working relationship with his agent, Leslie Barany has been a great honor for me. I have since joined the great company of artists Les represents.

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What inspires you to create?
Robotics, medical science, antiques, precision engineering, science instruments, films, books, all serve as inspiration in the process among countless other things. I’m never really short on motivation or ideas, just short on time.

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What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Sometimes it’s best to put something down for a while and look at it with fresh eyes the next day. Most of my mistakes I write off as research and development.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
I’d say, keep doing what you love. Surround yourself with other work that you love. If you keep at it, the love and dedication will be evident in the work and recognized some day.

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Comments

  1. By benoit

    hello
    i saw the new things about this great man and i really think he is blessed with all that knowledge i will advice him to continue in that spirit
    i will also like everyone to know that
    you can be like him
    thinking about this has really made me to study hard in school cause i will like to be like him. i will also like to make friends with all those who see this i am waiting for your mail at
    benny_doug@yahoo.com
    i have a lot to share with you all.
    thanks and bye

  2. By Cyndi

    I’ll let him know you’re asking :-)

  3. By lauren

    does anyone know conte’s date of birth?

    im doing a piece on christopher conte for uni and need info!!!

    any help is really appreciated!

    thanks

  4. By ngah benoit

    hi,
    i am very impressed with work i just saw. i will to be like him. i am 16years old and i will like to say congrads

  5. By iyad

    amaizing work , unusual kind of art.
    geart work.

  6. By NeoSurreal

    He’s an amazing artist with a background in prosthetics. I did an interview with Christopher Conte recently:

    http://www.darkmattermag.com/sculptor-christopher-conte/

  7. By Cyndi

    Well, I can see the squeamish part, but they are just so darned cool!! ;)

  8. By freebird(Timaree)

    Quite different work. I liked that insect! Anything with skulls makes me feel a bit squeamish but I can certainly see his creativity and the mixture of organic with machine is interesting.