Meet Chris Clamp | Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Clamp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My parents taught me to work hard and do my best no matter what. Therefore, I applied these basic principles to my career every step of the way, from part time jobs to full time careers. As I understood more of what I wanted out of life, I realized that I needed to have more control over my career and my client’s experience. After I reached a breaking point with a job I was working in 2018, I decided it was time to take control of my life and go out on my own. I did some basic research on starting a business and over the course of a week, I had set up an LLC, filed for an EIN and opened a business banking account. Life is too short, and I was going to put the time into myself and my business and build something for my future, my family and my community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am from a very rural town in South Carolina and I was the first person in my family to go to college. It was very difficult to leave the environment in which I was raised, but art had really called out to me, and my parents were supportive of me pursing my passion. When I arrived at Winthrop University to study art, I realized how much more advanced the other students were compared to myself and once I got over the initial shock, I used that as motivation to push myself to get better. I worked hard, read books and networked with other artists to build my knowledge and skills.

I worked for the university art gallery, which built an interest in working in a gallery or museum. That served me well because after college I started working for Jerald Melberg Gallery in Charlotte, which lasted 15 years. Jerald taught me a lot about the business of art, which is something that you are not taught in art school. Jerald also started to represent me as an artist, which is huge honor because Jerald Melberg Gallery represents some major artists and artist estates. I left working with Jerald Melberg Gallery to work with a fine art logistics company based out of NY. It is a decision that I strongly regret, however, I had to go through that unpleasant step to get to where I am now.

I started my own business in 2019 and work as a full time artist today. It is difficult at times and there are many challenges, but I realize that I am in a very unique position due to my life experience and story. I now use my experiences to help inform my path and its direction. I also never forget where I came from and all that clicked in place for me to get here. My mantra has become, “If not now, then when?” I could have died in a work-related accident in 2018, but miraculously I survived. Partly due to that moment, I see how short life is and how we have a limited time to pursue our passions. I have learned that you have to put fear aside and take a chance on yourself.

Now as a full-time painter, I am putting into practice all that I have learned along my life and pouring that into my art. There are elements of my early life, through the commonplace objects that I paint, and there are elements of art history through the compositions that inspire my work. My work is for everyone, but at the same time my oil paintings are deeply personal.

I also spend my time teaching others about art and sharing with them the knowledge that I have learned along the way. I have a very active channel on YouTube where I enjoy sharing this information and I livestream my painting lessons with subscribers. The community is a beautiful thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My wife and I love to hike, and we often find ourselves at Linville Falls in Linville Gorge. So, my heart goes out to the people of western North Carolina and all that they have lost during the flooding of Hurricane Helene.

The mountains of NC is such a magical place, so I would suggest we go there to explore and enjoy the beauty of our great state. On our way home, I would suggest we stop in Hickory, NC and have an early dinner and a drink at The Crescent Moon Cafe. It is wonderful restaurant/bar with a great diverse patronage. Everyone from every walk of life in town is there, eating and talking together. I love coffee, so we would have to get a drink from Taste Full Beans. They close at 6PM, so you have to keep that in mind, but it is just a short walk from The Crescent Moon Cafe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That is a tough question to answer. I have been fortunate enough to have many people offer some valuable mentorship and I have also benefited from being at the right place the right time. One person does rise to the surface, and that is Tom Stanley. Tom was Director of Winthrop University Galleries when I was a student at Winthrop University. He was inspiring because of what he did at the gallery, but also the fact that he was an exhibiting artist. I would walk past his studio late in the evening, and he would be in there, jazz music blasting, making his beautiful paintings. I also worked for him at the gallery, and he taught me a lot about proper presentation and how to participate in exhibitions. Since graduating, Tom has also helped me when I need advice or support. He has been an amazing mentor and has also become one of my closest friends.

Website: https://www.chrisclampart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisclampart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisclampart

Image Credits
Kelsey Mard for photos of me in my studio. The personal photo of me is taken by Lauren Piemont Clamp.