Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ Christiansen.
Hi TJ, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Nature and the outdoors were a large part of my upbringing in Michigan. Whether it was camping, fishing, or just hanging out with family and friends, I found myself spending a lot of time outside and observing my environment. Because it was such an integral component of my daily existence, some of the first creating I did utilized natural materials, wood in particular. When I was 19 and on a family trip, I saw a man who was selling chainsaw carvings that he had created, and I became extremely interested in learning how it was done. Upon returning to Michigan, I was inspired to teach myself how to do my own chainsaw carvings. With wood provided to me by grandfather, I honed my craft until I had this skill mastered.
A couple of years later, I started teaching industrial arts in the public school system of Michigan and sharing my love of building and creating with students. I was able to help my students gain an appreciation for doing work with their hands and take pride in their craft, something that I had learned from both my father and grandfather. Being an educator has allowed me to use the experiences gained in helping students rethink how to solve problems to become a better problem solver myself.
As an artist, I enjoy the process of creating sculptures that capture the true beauty of the wild animals that make up planet earth. These animals depend on clean water and plentiful food sources for their survival. Some of these animals are so mystical and some of them are close to becoming endangered or even extinct. The relationship between man and nature is a growing concern for the future of all wildlife. I choose animals from all over the world and try to create a life size sculpture that shows their true beauty. Without their natural habitats these living creatures would not survive. Over the years I have created several types of artwork, but my true passion is creating life size animal sculptures and sharing them with the world. Even if a particular piece I create only raises the awareness of one person that is one more person who knows about the plight of our global environmental changes, whether caused by man or Mother Nature.
With the process of creating playing such a large part in my work, my hope is that the viewer will see it as unique—intent on the making as much as the final outcome.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to let go of a piece that I have connected with is the hardest part of making these lifesize animal sculptures. After reading a bedtime story to my kids about Lonesome George who was the last Pinta Island tortoise of the Galapagos Islands I just had to build a life size George and once he was completed we just could not let go of him and he is still in our backyard as of today!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I serve as a High School Career and Technical Education teacher, where I am dedicated to helping students develop the practical skills necessary for their future success. I currently teach High School Carpentry in Apex, North Carolina where the students become OSHA 10 certified and learning about residential and commercial construction. I have also taught CAD, CNC, welding and foundry.
Outside of the classroom, I am an artist, a creative pursuit that allows me to explore new perspectives and balance my analytical teaching work with expressive design. My professional identity is defined by this blend of mentorship and artistry; I am known for bringing a creative, unconventional approach to technical curriculum, which allows me to engage students who might otherwise struggle with traditional learning styles. I am most proud of the moments when my students discover their own passions, and I believe that my ability to bridge the gap between technical instruction and creative problem-solving is what truly sets me apart as an educator.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in northern Michigan interested in exploring the outdoors, camping, building things with my own two hands and caring for my pets. I now have kids of my own and it reminds me of those special times I had when I was their age and I hope to bring those types of experiences into their lives.
Pricing:
- 14′ Giraffe – $6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tjchristiansen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjcdurham/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjchristiansen81
