Chris Marinez (he/him/his)

Austin, TX

“It’s amazing when someone else appreciates the beauty to an emotion I had. When they compliment my artwork, they compliment my existence.”

Veteran artist Chris Marinez was introduced to art at an early age and continued to create until he enlisted in the Air Force after he graduated high school. His art practice was put on hold until he completed his service. When that day came and as soon as he had the time and space, he picked up where he left off. His prefers to explore mixed media after being introduced to those processes while taking art classes at his local community college. Chris’ mixed media pieces often have many layers of pigment and resin which creates a unique multi-textural plane.

Chris has always been drawn to abstract art. He shares, “I like abstract the most since it takes less critical thinking and requires more emotional inspiration.” Over time his creative process has evolved, at times out of necessity. Early in Chris’ art career, there were times he could not afford to buy canvas. Instead, he would buy wood panels to use as the base for his mixed-media resin paintings. Chris is drawn to creating dynamic pieces with several elements at play, “I like layers and textures since it's complicated like humans and I like a lot of texture you can feel with your eyes.”

Chris currently spends his time working in the fitness industry, raising his children, and “trying to take over the world with inspiration one beautiful soul at a time.”