Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Luhar-Trice.
Hi Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in California but grew up in Northwest Alabama – my parents decided shortly after my birth that being closer to family there made sense. I knew I wanted to pursue a life in the arts as early as high school, and my heritage as a Southerner continues to influence my creative work. After completing graduate school in Chicago and moving around for work for a few years, I accepted a position teaching photography at the University of North Florida. My wife and I have lived in Jacksonville since 2010.
Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth?
I’ve faced many challenges along the way. Academia is a competitive field; finding the right fit, employment-wise, took longer than I might have liked. Making art is hard work, too – you must persevere, even when you’re tired, get a bad review, or are turned down for an exhibition. I think many of my biggest challenges have come from inside: seeking a healthy work/life balance, having the courage to be my authentic self, and developing the confidence needed to believe in my work even when faced with professional disappointments. Thankfully, I’ve had an excellent support structure over the years – family, friends, educators, and (of course) my wonderful spouse, who continues to cheer me on!
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Again, my experiences growing up in the American South figure prominently in my art. As for what I do – I’ve taught Photography at the college level for over 20 years, and much of my training and experience is in that field. Though digital tools are essential to my practice, I also remain committed to analog methods: I shoot film, print in the darkroom, and use alternative photographic processes like cyanotype. Most of my imagery is camera-generated, but I have little interest in any notion of photographic “truth” or capturing reality. Since the pandemic, I’ve rediscovered a passion for collage and mixed-media works on paper; I tend to address themes such as pop culture and social/political issues more directly in these works, often tempered with my quirky sense of humor. Finally, I love music and am a (very) amateur musician and instrument-builder.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I’m always looking for exhibition and publication opportunities. My work is for sale, too, but you can also show your support (for free!) by following me on social media and spreading the word; feel free to like/comment, share my work (with credit, please!) in your stories, and tell your friends about it! I’ve never done much collaborative work, but I’m very interested in the possibilities – if you connect with something I’ve made, please reach out. I’d love to talk about ways we might work together!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.cwtrice.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolleipollei/
