Christian Mitchell

About Me

Christian Mitchell is an artist who has been enchanted by the creative process since childhood. Growing up in a world where his loving mother encouraged artistic exploration, Mitchell found pure delight in drawing, painting, sewing, and any other form of creative expression. With a mind that constantly wandered into daydreams, photography became the perfect channel for his artistic vision to take flight.

While meticulous attention to detail wasn't his forte, he discovered a way to embrace this charming quirk in his art. After attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in the early 90s, Mitchell found himself irresistibly drawn to the vibrant club scene, dancing away from the path of traditional full-time jobs. As a display artist and later a makeup artist, his career in marketing and communications began during his time at MAC.

Although Mitchell transitioned away from makeup artistry, his passion for it never waned. Over the past decade, he has immersed himself in the world of cyanotype and platinum palladium printing. Fueled by his daydreams, Mitchell's body of work draws inspiration from the boundless realms of childhood imagination, fairy tales and dreams.

Inspired by mentors such as Kembra Pfahler, Susanne Bartsch, Joey Arias, and Constance Dodge, and buoyed by the unwavering support of friends and family, Mitchell explores the contemporary themes of embracing imperfections and celebrating individuality. His choice of cyanotype and platinum palladium printing further reinforces this concept, as the inherent unpredictability of these processes adds a touch of magic and intrigue to his prints.

In a world where many of us grapple with the notion of imperfection, artists often hesitate to share their work, forever feeling like it's not quite ready. Mitchell wholeheartedly acknowledges this internal struggle and understands the temptation to endlessly overthink a collection. However, he made a conscious decision to embrace the imperfections within his work and within himself. Recently, a dear friend simply said “It’s good enough”.. and reminded him that his work is worth showing, urging him to forge ahead. This body of work joyously celebrates the imperfections that reside within us and our creative endeavors, embracing the whimsical, the extraordinary, and the beautiful in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

With two successful private shows already under his belt, Christian is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance he has received throughout his artistic journey. As he continues to push the boundaries of his chosen medium, he warmly invites viewers to embark on a quirky exploration of childhood nostalgia, unconventional beauty, bodies and the boundless power of imagination.