We recently had the chance to connect with Chris Clamp and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Well, that is easy! My wife and I are expecting our first child! A baby boy! He will be here some time in October, and that is so exciting. I have always wanted to be a dad, and this is my first child, so I am looking forward to this very special addition to our family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an oil painter, so I exhibit my artwork in galleries and I also work closely with private collectors on commissioned paintings. My artwork is realistic, but I go deeper with symbolism, adding elements of narrative and spirituality to the paintings.
I am grateful to other artists who have shared valuable insight with me through the years. I feel that it is a duty to give back whenever possible, so recently I launched a channel on YouTube on which I share information about art, the art business and how to be a practicing artist. I also offer art classes and livestreams on my online platform.
This year I was honored as a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Grant. The grant will provide me with financial assistance to focus on the growth in my artistic practice and also invest in upgrades to my studio to assist with my online teaching platform. As a recipient of the Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Grant, I will have an exhibition at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum in Provincetown, MA in 2026.
This fall, I will have a solo exhibition at Jerald Melberg Gallery in Charlotte, NC from September 6 to October 18, 2025. I am excited to share this new body of work with the public because I have explored some themes and styles that are different for me. If you are in the area, I encourage you to come and see it.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I used to work at a commercial art gallery in Charlotte, NC. I am still that person, but I have stepped into a new role. See, I worked at that gallery for 15 years, and while at that gallery I worked hard to help build the careers of other artists. I thoroughly enjoy being in a supportive role and helping others reach their potential. It should come as no surprise that before I pursued a degree in Fine Art at college I wanted to be an art teacher.
While employed at the gallery, I still created my own art after hours and weekends, but I mainly prioritized others over myself. However, I left that job when approached regarding opening a local office for a NY based fine arts logistics company. It seemed like a good opportunity to step into a leadership role, however, that was far from the truth. I essentially was a mover who drove a very large truck. I worked in that role for about 2 years when I finally got the courage to go out on my own.
Now, I am so delighted to say that I am self-employed and working on my artwork full-time. I used to work hard to build the careers of other artists, now I am focused on building my own fine arts career.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
This may sound odd, but a fear that has held me back is the fear of success. I was raised in a blue collar environment and I was taught to be humble and to take pride in doing a good job. I learned to be happy with what you have been given in life and not ask for anything more. That is a perfectly fine way to live, however, as I grew older and my career began to grow, I wanted to achieve more. I saw others around me accomplishing amazing things, and I began to realize that I was holding myself back. I was afraid to put myself out there and step into greater things because I thought I did not deserve it. I felt I did not deserve success because my role is a supportive role. A role in the shadows. Success would mean that I would be a leader and a potential inspiration, and I think that fear of success scared me to step out of my comfort zone and strive for more.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Authenticity and quality are number one in my artwork, no matter how long it takes. So many artists (and art galleries) value quantity over quality, and this has had negative effects on the art world. However, this is something that I will not compromise. Whatever I paint in my studio has to be brought to a certain level of polish before the painting leaves my studio.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew that I only had 10 years left to live, I would stop wasting time. We all get so distracted watching tv and playing on our phones, but ultimately that is just taking precious time away from our families and our goals.
Several years ago, I worked at a job that was very toxic, and I was involved in an accident that could have resulted in serious injury or death. It scared me to know that I could have lost my life doing something I dreaded, so I quickly left that job and filed for my own LLC, EIN and business bank account.
Since then, I have been living my life like every day could be my last and taking advantage of every opportunity each day brings. I often tell people that I feel like I am in a second life and having a second chance at doing things differently. I realize how much time I wasted before this shift in my life, and I have learned a lot from those mistakes.
For example: my wife and I are expecting our first child and I don’t want to miss a moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrisclampart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisclampart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisclampart
Image Credits
Chris Clamp and Lauren Clamp
