An Interview with Christopher Arndt: Chicagoan Artist and Photographer
We caught up with the impressive Christopher Arndt, owner of Christopher Arndt Images to learn more about his colorful collections and unique connection with the city of Chicago.
We chose Christopher to represent the ‘sight’ sense because of his obvious talent for creating bright, bold and lively images. This photo is of the north side of city, with a stunning skyline in the background that creates an image which instantly captures you, drawing you in and making you want to learn more about the beautiful city. We’d happily look at this picture forever. We find new details each time we gaze at it, and that is why Christopher’s image was an easy choice for our Chicago collection.
Read on for our full interview.
Questions and Answers
Hello Christopher, and welcome to Treeline Thyme’s question time! Can you start by telling us why you started your company?
Today, everyone is a photographer (or so they think), which places less value on a photograph. To make money in the photography industry requires very special people able to persevere. So, I took a different approach and instead looked around at what type of images people bought and hung in their homes. Traditionally, they hung paintings, and since I wasn't a painter, I began to experiment with digital oil painting. During this process, I noticed that many of the finer details in a photograph were lost. So, using my experience as a full-time graphic designer, I began to experiment with combining the two mediums. The result is a ‘photo-painting’ – not quite a photo nor a painting. I began to transform my photography into this new medium and my business was born.
How long has it been around? Where is it located?
I started in 2012 and am currently located in Wheaton, IL.
And how does your product represent Chicago?
When I worked full-time in downtown Chicago, I would carry my camera every day no matter the weather. My goal was to tell the story of Chicago, both from the perspective of a tourist and one who works in the city 5 days a week.
How would you say your photography is different from others in your field?
I've seen a lot of people use Photoshop filters on photography, but I haven't seen anyone take the time to painstakingly combine both mediums into an image that makes you to stop and take another look.
Your images certainly make us look. So, tell us why/how Chicago became your home.
I was born in Chicago! I went to grade school, high school, and college in the city, and even when I moved out to Wheaton, IL I commuted into the city for several years.
How long did you live in Chicago?
I did 18 years in Chicago and 20 years in Wheaton, IL.
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago and why?
It has to be the world-famous architecture, Lake Michigan, and the gorgeous skyline.
Agreed! And what’s your favorite season in Chicago and why?
Definitely October. It’s the perfect weather – not too hot and not too cold.
Do you have a favorite place to visit? Food? Drinks? Activities? Hidden Gems?
I have a few… My favorite places to visit are: Museums, Buckingham Fountain and Michigan Ave, while Portillo’s definitely does the best food! I also love biking along Lake Michigan, and my hidden gem has to be Lower Wacker Dr.
Good choices! Can you share a secret about Chicago most don’t know?
The fountains of Buckingham Fountain were at one time controlled by turning each water spray on from the pump house still located at the fountain. Today the water display is controlled by a computer housed in the same pump house.
Wow, that’s some great knowledge! Is there anywhere you’d like to visit next?
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to either observation tower: Willis or Hancock.
Brilliant. Thank-you for chatting with us today, Christopher – we love your photo-art and are super proud to have you in our Chicago sense bundle!
If you’d like to order some amazing artwork from Christopher Arndt, be sure to visit him online at his website: www.ChristopherArndtImages.com.