November/December 2009 Cover Artist
Seeing and Feeling the World

by Christopher Bibby

Ever since I was very young, I have had a strong emotional sense that we are all one. Although we appear separate and alone, we are in fact all from the same place, made of the same stuff. The presence of this vision in my life helps me understand the play between the real and abstract worlds within my paintings.

Painting the same patterns in a building, in a city, on the street, and in a distant skyline is important for my need to express what I see and feel as a person in the world. Moving to Glasgow, Scotland, at the age of 20, I discovered the inspiration to seriously pursue painting as a career. A buzzing metropolitan of warmth and vibrancy sprinkled with lush parks and stunning architecture, Glasgow evoked a sense of passion and fascination in me. I was endlessly influenced by the dynamics of the city — the movement of its buildings, the weaving dance of its vehicles, the spirit of its citizens and the energy that merged them all.

At times I find myself exploring, in an unconscious fashion, those same rhythms and patterns in an effort to make sense of their place in a more complicated world of chaos and change. These feelings of separation and unity are brought into a joyful place by my use of rich and stimulating colors. Colors awaken the experience, transforming what can be a deep and often overwhelming feeling of loss into a place of exaltation and contentment.

My paintings, I hope, express in a knowing way what a wonderful role we play in this beautiful world.

Christopher Bibby, a Portland-based artist, created “A big red truck” on the cover of New Connexion. Visit www.iambibby.com.