Chris Efstratis

Comedy, form, color, and expression are the foundations of my artwork. The caricatures that evolve from clay are not based on anyone in particular, but focus primarily on the expression and whimsey. Large ceramic sculptures, upwards to eight feet tall, are my passion, and are intended to make an even louder statement due to their large scale. The larger my work gets, the more powerful they appear.

My artwork can be described as comedic interpretations of faces and figures using out of the ordinary colors to create a sense of whimsy. I mix passion and spontaneity in order to connect with the viewer to evoke an emotional and sometimes physical response. Music is relevant in my work due to the movement in my forms, and the usage of visible brush work. My artwork is a symbol of the different emotions that we as humans encounter on a daily basis, and then fired into a stone.

The use of exaggerated features inspired in cartoons and actors is relevant in my sculptures. In my three dimensional paintings, the images are usually more literal, and concrete. Through the painting process it allows me as a sculptor to help visualize objects, plan sculptures, and test colors for my three dimensional clay works. In a way my pa...

Bachelors of Fine Art San Francisco State 2000-2004
Emphasis in Ceramics and Painting

Artist Resume
Chris Efstratis

Inspired by Peter Voulkos, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Jun Kaneko, Chooley, Otto Dix, Expressionist movement, Dada group, Paul Klee, Robert Arneson, California Funk movement, Tony Natsoulous, David Gihooley, Clayton Baily, Viola Frey, African art, Maria Gonzales, Paul Soldner, Rudy Audio, Expressionist, and my fellow art students and teachers in college and high school.

Education:
Bella Vista High Sacramento CA 1996-2000
San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (emphasis in Ceramics and Painting) 2000-2004

Juror:
Marin Catholic Ceramics Competition 2014

Awards:
Anacortes Art Festival 2014 Most Creative Booth award
Los Altos Rotary arts Festival 2013 Mayors Award
Los Altos Rotary Arts Festival 2014 Juror’s choice award
Beverly Hills Art Festival Spring 2014 Third Place in Ceramics
Mammouth Lakes Festival of the Arts 2013 Third Place in Show
Mammoth Lakes 2015 Third Place in Show
Beverly Hills Art Show First Place in Ceramics 2018 Fall
Indian Wells Art Festival First Place Clay Sculpture 2018
California State Fair Award Of Merit 2015, 2017
Blue Line Gallery 3rd Place in Crocker Kingsley Show 2018


Shows:
Bellevue Wa...