Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Thomas.
Hi Christopher, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person, but for a long time I put most of my energy into helping other people grow. For seven years, I was an art teacher in St. Louis, and honestly, some of my proudest moments came from watching students realize they were capable of more than they thought.
During that time, I never stopped making my own art. I would paint after work, on weekends, and whenever I could find the time. What started as something I loved doing for myself slowly turned into commissions, exhibitions, and opportunities I never imagined having.
My path hasn’t been straightforward. I’ve changed careers, faced setbacks, questioned myself, and had to learn how to take my own art seriously. These days I work in community health, helping connect people to resources and support, while also continuing to build my career as an artist.
Looking back, I realize that both careers come from the same place. Whether I’m painting, teaching, or working in the community, I care about people. I care about stories. I care about helping people feel seen.
Right now, I’m preparing for my first solo exhibition while continuing to create new work and take on commissions. It feels like I’m finally stepping into a version of myself that I’ve been working toward for a long time, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Looking back, I think most of my growth came from the challenges rather than the easy moments.
One of the biggest struggles was learning to balance building my own career while spending so much time helping others build theirs. As a teacher, I poured a lot of energy into my students and the school community. I loved the work, but it often meant putting my own artistic goals on the back burner.
I’ve also dealt with the same things many creatives face: self-doubt, burnout, financial uncertainty, and wondering whether pursuing art seriously was realistic. There were times when I questioned if people would connect with my work or if I was good enough to take up space in the art world.
Changing careers was another challenge. Leaving education after seven years wasn’t an easy decision. It was a huge part of my identity. Starting over in community health required me to learn new skills and step outside of my comfort zone.
At the same time, those experiences taught me resilience. They taught me how to adapt, how to keep creating even when life gets busy, and how to trust my own voice. Today, I can honestly say that every setback has helped shape both my artwork and the person I am becoming.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a visual artist whose work explores identity, spirituality, culture, and the Black experience, particularly through the lens of the African diaspora. I primarily work in painting and mixed media, often combining oil paint, acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel, and gold leaf to create pieces that tell stories about resilience, ancestry, faith, transformation, and self-discovery.
Many of my works draw inspiration from African, African American, and diasporic traditions, mythology, and symbolism. Whether I’m painting figures inspired by deities, reimagining cultural narratives, or exploring themes of strength and healing, I want my work to honor the complexity, beauty, and humanity of Black people and our stories.
One thing people often notice about my work is its range. No two pieces look exactly alike. I enjoy experimenting with different materials, techniques, and influences while maintaining a strong focus on storytelling. Some works are deeply personal, while others speak to collective experiences and histories that connect us across generations.
Before focusing more heavily on my own art career, I spent seven years as an art teacher. That experience shaped me tremendously and taught me the importance of representation, creativity, and helping people find their voice. It also reinforced my belief that art can educate, inspire, and create meaningful conversations.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on others. Seeing people connect with a painting, hearing someone tell me they felt seen in a piece, watching former students continue to create, and now preparing for my first solo exhibition are all moments that remind me why I do this work.
What sets me apart is that I approach art not only as an artist, but also as an educator and community advocate. My work is rooted in storytelling and lived experience. I create pieces that celebrate Black culture, explore spiritual and cultural identity, and invite viewers to reflect on their own journeys. At its core, my work is about connection to ourselves, to our ancestors, and to each other.
What makes you happy?
Honestly, what makes me happiest is creating something meaningful and sharing it with other people.
That can look like finishing a painting that has been living in my head for months, watching someone connect with a piece of art, helping a student discover their creativity, or seeing someone gain confidence because they felt seen and understood.
I also find a lot of joy in community. Whether it’s spending time with people I care about, working in the community through my health outreach work, or simply having conversations that help people feel connected, those moments matter to me.
I’m happiest when I’m learning, creating, and growing. I don’t like feeling stagnant. Some of my favorite moments happen when I’m trying something new, challenging myself, or bringing an idea to life that didn’t exist before.
More than anything, I think what makes me happy is knowing that what I do has meaning. Whether it’s through art, education, or service, I want to leave people and places a little better than I found them. When I can do that, I feel fulfilled.
Pricing:
- Original artwork: Starting at $250
- Custom commissions: Starting at $350
- Live painting services: Available upon request
- Large-scale projects: Custom quote available
- Prints and select reproductions: Pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://christopherthomasartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChrisThomasArt/
- Other: christopherthomasartistry@gmail.com
