Meet Christopher Roche | Artist

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

Hi Christopher, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think as an artist you cannot be risk averse, you have to put yourself out there and do what is necessary to get your work seen. You can be the best artist in the world, if nobody can see your work, they certainly can’t purchase it. There is an old saying, “No Risk It, No Biscuit”, I believe that is true. Artists need to have a thick skin, not everybody is going to love your work, but the fact is you don’t need everybody to love your work, you only need some people to love it. Some people don’t love the work of Picasso, or Monet, so what? That doesn’t mean the work is not amazing. Personally, I have always been naive enough to believe that if I create artwork that is of great interest to me, it will be of interest to others as well, and over the years that has proved to be true. I still remember years ago sending work out to galleries and shows and getting turned down, I would save all of the rejection letters, and just use them as fuel to prove them wrong. There is always the risk that you will get turned down, but you can’t let that keep you from taking that chance. Every time I participate in an outdoor festival show, which I do frequently, there is the risk that I won’t sell anything, there is the risk that mother nature will blow my tent over. But that does not stop me from taking the risk, the potential payoff is too great in so many different ways.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Well, I am not sure what sets my art apart from others, but I do know that I have done a good job sticking to my passions. I have painted many different subjects over the years, but recently I began to focus on my passion for Arizona State Sun Devil football and have begun painting a continuing series paintings featuring historic moments and beloved players, and the reception that work has received has been amazing. I also began a continuing series of paintings based on historic neon signs throughout the state of Arizona. Both of these series have really started to take off. They both play right into the bold use of color that is a hallmark of my work. I have learned selling art, that it is often about people wanting to hold onto special memories and moments in their life, and that is why they may be drawn to your work. Whether it is a moment at a Sun Devil game with your family, or cruising past motels, and many neon signs, while heading to your family vacation years ago, those memories matter.

I am proud of the fact that I have been able to be a full-time teacher in Mesa Public Schools for for over 20 years and still be able to pursue my art career without comprising the quality of my work. Has it been easy, no? Many nights I am tired, and may not want to go into the studio, but just going in for an hour or two can rejuvenate me and get the energy going. A lesson I have learned is when you finish an artwork, start a new one. I always have a couple of projects going on or being developed. I am lost if I don’t have a current painting going, so I make sure I always do. I don’t wait for inspiration, I am afraid I might be waiting too long, I try and create the inspiration.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first we would go head to a game at Sun Devil Stadium, making sure to get together with friends to tailgate prior to the game. Next day we would head up north and hit Prescott and check out all of the cool history that town has to offer. Make sure we stopped into The Palace while we were there. Then we would head up to Flagstaff and check out the town and all the cool neon on its portion of Route 66. Making sure we ate some good pizza, and a couple of breweries while in town. Leaving Flag, we would head west to Willams, and then on to Seligman stopping and enjoying the history of Route 66 along the way. When we got back to the Valley, if the trip was in March, would definitely hit a couple spring training games.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, first of all my family. My wife Denise for always putting up with me, and allowing me to be who I am, and always being by my side.. My son Connor for being an inspiration to me, and for always showing an interest in my efforts. Just last week he was critiquing my Instagram posts in a very positive way and gave me a quick masters class tutorial on some of the finer points that I was not utilizing. He is much more tech savvy than I am. The other person as a teacher, mentor is the best teacher I ever had Joe Price. I had him for two years at the College of San Mateo, he was a very successful artist in his own right. He was the most passionate, intense, supportive teacher I ever had, and he made a lasting impact on my artistic life. He always gave great advice, and preached trusting your journey.

Website: christopherocheart@gmail.com

Instagram: christopherocheart

Facebook: Christopher Roche Art