Christopher Whytal

"I collect experiences from nature and other cultures, leaning on my love of travel and the outdoors, and I portray them through photography and other art forms. For example, I used photography and videography to capture mountaineering expeditions to Mt Rainier (Washing-ton State), Aconcagua (Argentina), a humanitarian trip to Kenya, and several visits to Thailand and other countries.

From a young age, I was drawn to art in various forms, and my interest led to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Radford University, with a concentration in graphic design and photography. It was at Radford that I discovered my passion for experimental photography using a variety of different formats and mediums. I grew particularly fond of shooting with a Holga 120S, which I continue to use extensively today. The Hasselblad 500C is another favorite. Silversmithing played another important role in my university education, and I continue to enjoy designing and creating unique pieces of jewelry.

I explore new projects every day to reinvigorate the mediums I commonly use. For the past several months, I’ve been exploring light painting photography, an experimental way of capturing light on film by shooting at night and leaving the shutter open. I have recently learned such mediums as acrylic painting, watercolor, sumi-e ink painting and I work as an art director for an internationally based company. 

Writing is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I work with 365 Art+ Magazine, created and published in Japan and internationally distributed, The magazine 365 Art+, has given me the opportunity to publish my writing, photography, and art twice a month.

I also enjoy creating original artwork from driftwood I find in natural environments, like while hiking along the Potomac River, or during trips to the ocean. Gardening is another means of connecting with nature, and I particularly enjoy growing unique, foreign varieties of hot peppers and growing and training bonsai trees."