Blue Bear Studio to hold open house
“I never thought I would actually have an art studio,” Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk)/Ojibwe artist Christopher Sweet said looking around his new place.
“I always wanted my artwork in galleries. That was one of my goals, but to have my own space, is something that just came to life without me realizing it.”
Sweet’s work space, Blue Bear Studio located in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, where Sweet will welcome Reedsburg and the surrounding communities to appreciate art and develop connectedness on Saturday, October 23rd. As a Hoocąk/Ojibwe artist, he shared it is important to him that the Native Community feels the studio is a place where, “we are represented and our culture shared”.
Sweet started his art career while living with his wife Chrissy just outside of Milwaukee, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. “That's when I kind of really started getting into my artwork and painting. My home was my workspace. I was working in the living room and the bedroom. I've painted, probably in every space of that house.” he said.
After he and his wife moved back up to the Dells area to be closer to family, Sweet found himself using his basement as a makeshift studio. “I was working in the basement. As an artist you have so much supplies, and you just don't have enough room for everything. So, we decided to start looking around for space and just kind of happened upon this place.”
Looking around the studio, he and his wife knew it would make an awesome studio space. Something they both could envision. He pointed out he would like to put some partitions in the center of the studio, forming a kind of maze where he could hang more art work.
Sweet works with acrylics, while at times using plaster and newspaper in his paintings. “I have incorporated newspaper, but not just any old newspaper. I like to use the Hoocąk paper. But there's got to be a good story (printed on the paper), something positive, to give the painting some inspiration,” he said smiling.
At times, Sweet gets creative with his canvas, creating very unique paintings on repurposed cardboard boxes. He acknowledged using cardboard gives his paintings a different texture and a sense of depth.
When asked if he has had a mentor in art or what has inspired him Sweet replied, “My mother has been a big inspiration to me.” Sweets mother Lenore is also an artist. “I was inspired by her as far back as grade school. I was doing artwork back then, so I knew I had an interest in it. All my life I've been interested in artwork and I've been drawn to it. I’m kind of a late bloomer,” he said chuckling.
In addition to his mother, Sweet said he was inspired by teachers from grade school through high school. He stressed he too wants to be an artist that inspires others to create.
Chris also credits his wife Chrissy saying, “She's been, like, the greatest. We consider ourselves a team. It's a lot teamwork, and without her, none of this would really have come about, because you always need somebody to back you up and remind you of your worth. To point out what you need to do and what gifts you have, what you're capable of. I'm very grateful for Chrissy.”
Visitors at the open house can expect to experience beautifully displayed original artwork of various sizes and prices, reproduction prints, notecards, coffee mugs, and other uniquely painted items. They may even catch Sweet splashing paint around.
The Blue Bear Studio Open House will be held on Saturday, October 23rd from 1 to 3 pm. The studio is located at 222 N. Walnut Street, Suite B, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Light refreshments will be served.
Concerning Covid, a statement from the Sweets: At this time, we are moving forward with our event. We trust each of you is doing your best to protect yourselves and others from the risk of infection. If you feel uncomfortable attending for any reason, we completely understand. We look forward to celebrating with those of you who may attend.
Visit Blue Bear Studio on Facebook: facebook.com/csweetdzine/ or on Instagram: instagram.com/csweetnativeart/
