— Artist Statement

Hello! My name is Cedric "Chrishawn" Colston, an artist and designer known for my distinctive, pseudo-realistic portraiture.

Most of my work begins with a photo, from which I pull shadows and highlights to use as layers of acrylic paint on canvas. Stylistically, I borrow from multiple movements. Andy Warhol’s techniques and use of color were huge influences early in my creative career. However, my paintings definitely don’t comment on consumerism or mass media. I’d say it leans more toward Impressionism because of how important the light and capturing the moment is to the process; Abstract Impressionism, perhaps?

My artistry is an ode to my long-lost, youthful imagination. As children, we’re oblivious to the constraints and formalities of the world that we all eventually succumb to. For me, this is largely a journey to recapture that heedless wonder. It's why I use my middle name, Chrishawn, as a moniker and vessel to represent what my younger self might have created.

Right now, I’m mostly inspired by contemporary creatives like Hebru Brantley, Kelcey Fisher and Izumi Kogahara. They have each found brilliant ways to extend their art outside of the traditional canvas, which is currently an important goal of mine. Another goal is to more skillfully craft interesting narratives, while simultaneously producing something that is aesthetically pleasing.