Christopher Weed Brings Three Dimensional Works to the World of Art Showcase

Weed also plans to bring to the World of Art Showcase his work "The Door," It is 17 feet high and weighs 4,500 lbs. It is notable for its abstract shape and precarious, balance, skewing the viewers perceptions of reality and is currently on display at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center after a show in Michigan. Weed also created a unique exhibit featuring "The Door" in the middle of a field titled "Portal", this sculpture is a metaphor for the doors that are opened in ones mind, when we strive to reach a higher level of consciousness, whether intellectually or spiritually.

Another recent work of note is "Red Paperclips," larger than life sculptures that won first prize at the 2009 Art on the Streets Exhibition in Colorado. The pieces, which literally look like oversized red paperclips, are 24 feet high, with a combined weight of 3.5 tons. This and "The Door" represent Weed's desire to show the graceful design of everyday items we take for granted.

While some of Weed's work is geared towards spiritual and philosophical reflection, in general his goal is to create rich impressions that have the ability to touch and connect people of all ages in ways they might not expect. "In my work as a sculptor," he says, "I use primarily luminous and tactile materials, creating abstract and organic shapes that draw the viewer nearer. My purpose is to overwhelm the observer using size, variation and multiplicity of elements. The intent is not to shock, but to ultimately inspire a sense of awe, transforming the viewer to another place, if even for a brief moment. My style encompasses sheer size and bright colors, embodying a sophisticated, yet child like quality that creates a bond with both children and adults.

"I've often been told that people know my work when they see it, even if at first they don't know for sure that I created it," says Weed. "Besides the larger than life elements, I think that is due to an almost childlike quality I bring to each work. What I am striving for is the opportunity for adults to view art again through a child's eye. As we get older, adults may become a bit rigid and regimented, losing some of our youthful exuberance. I want to heighten their excitement and make sure adults that see my sculptures lighten up, if even for a brief moment. My work forces the viewer to stop dead in their tracks, inspiring them to reassess their daily lives and values. I do this well because I am still a child at heart and like to play like a kid."

All that makes perfect sense in light of the fact that as a child, Weed immersed himself in his carpenter father's home studio/workshop for hours daily, creating both functional and non functional objects. He later graduated with a BFA from the University of Maryland, with two years spent studying in Southern Germany. "I was always good with my hands," he says, "and have fond memories of working with my dad, being exposed to the whole contractor thing, surrounded by cement trucks, heavy machines and large tools. While I was building my career as an artist, I also built art deco furniture for a living. With hundreds of pieces sold, some of these items made their way into family and friends homes, but I choose to live as a minimalist so I have very few of these early pieces in my home."

Weed is excited about the opportunity to participate in the World of Art Showcase for a number of reasons: "I know they're doing everything possible to make sure some of the world's most enthusiastic art collectors are there, and Las Vegas is the perfect place to attract such a clientele. I am one of the few three dimensional artists in the show, and it will be interesting to see how people respond to my work outside of its typical environment. I'm optimistic that I will make many great connections and look forward to meeting clients and the general public at large. Although in its first year, I feel that this event will be a huge success that will grow next year. I look forward to bringing larger sculptures next year. The event's success will be a great reassurance that art of all kinds is still an important part of people's daily lives."