
Christopher Gill stands out as a remarkable figure, embodying a unique blend of psychological depth and improvisational style in his creative process. Based in Somerville, Massachusetts, Gill’s artistic vision is shaped by a life steeped in creativity and an enduring commitment to exploring the human experience.
Christopher Gill is an artist whose profound engagement with the world of art and psychology intertwines seamlessly into his work. Born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Gill is the fourth child in a family steeped in creativity—his mother, Cecily Anne Hickler Gill, was a painter and printmaker and served as the President of the Cambridge Art Association, while his father, Jonathan “Jock” Gill, was a distinguished psychiatrist. This rich backdrop undoubtedly influenced his artistic journey.
Gill’s academic path took him through the Wellesley Public Schools and onto Boston University, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in political science. He later pursued a Master’s in Social Work from Boston College, which further equipped him for a fulfilling career as a school social worker and psychotherapist. He continues to balance his professional life with artistic expression, working part-time in his private practice while nurturing his creative impulses.
The confluence of art and life has been a constant in Gill’s world. Since his youthful days, he has been involved in various artistic pursuits, from performing in bands to engaging in spoken word poetry. In 2010, Gill embarked on a more focused commitment to visual arts, setting an ambitious goal of creating a minimum of three drawings or paintings each day for an entire year. This prolific output set the stage for his evolution into a dedicated abstract painter.
His method is as dynamic as it is instinctive; he paints primarily on the floor, using techniques that include pouring, spilling, and dripping paint onto paper. This physical engagement with his materials allows for a spontaneity that resonates with the rhythms of nature, resulting in works that are simultaneously abstract yet imbued with a naturalistic spirit.
Gill’s philosophy as an artist is encapsulated in his description as an “improvisational action painter.” He views each painting as an opportunity to investigate the relationship between conscious intention and subconscious exploration, oftentimes drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and the greater universe. His paintings reflect this exploration, as they emerge from an interplay of planned choices alongside the unpredictability of color and form.
A strong advocate for community engagement, Gill is actively involved in the art scene through various memberships and exhibitions. He is a part of the Copley Society of Art and the Cambridge Art Association, showcasing his work alongside other accomplished artists. His commitment to the arts extends beyond personal creation; he contributes his time and expertise to foster artistic growth within his community.
Gill’s recent projects also reflect his innovative spirit, as he collaborates with his son, blending visual art with contemporary music, which speaks to his multifaceted talents and ability to adapt. Whether it’s through vibrant pieces or engaging collaborative works, Gill’s artistic expression is a testament to his passion for uncovering deeper truths about ourselves and our surroundings.
Gill describes himself as an “improvisational action painter,” grounding his practice in instinctive and rhythmic moves on the paintings. Working primarily with gouache paint, his technique involves dynamic methods such as pouring, spilling, and dripping, all while channeling the inherent processes of nature. His work reflects a unique synthesis of conscious intent and subconscious influence, echoing the sentiment expressed by the poet Rimbaud: “I do not possess my hand.” For Gill, the creation process is a continual exploration of the interplay between conscious and unconscious forces, manifesting in art that is both abstract and evocative of the natural world.
His artist statement emphasizes this focus on improvisation and the psychological dimensions of painting. He posits that each canvas serves as an experimental ground for understanding the complex relationships between intention and the unintended consequences of movement and color. This philosophical approach underscores his belief that painting can reveal deeper truths about human experience, beyond what is readily comprehensible.
Since 2013 the artist has been living with his wife (who he met in 2012), the artist Jane Goldman at the artist cooperative called Mixit Studios Cooperative in Somerville, Ma. Mixit has 7 living units, and over ten studios, plus a world class print studio, the Mixit Print Studio. Jane is a founding member of the cooperative and a partner in the print studio. Gill has high praise for the other artists living there, and says he has been very influenced by them. Jane is a painter and printmaker, and the artist who designed the marine themed walkways at Boston’s Logan Airport.
The life and work of Christopher Gill embody a rich tapestry of creativity, engagement, and exploration. His commitment to both the therapeutic aspects of social work and the liberating disciplines of art creates a unique and heartfelt expression that is undeniable, inviting deeper contemplation into the nature of creativity itself. His therapy license is in social work, and “I am proud to be a social worker, it would be more accurate to emphasize my interest in psychology and therapy, which are much broader terms than social work, rather than social work per se”, Gill says.
He encapsulates a narrative that is as complex as it is beautiful, inviting viewers into a world where emotion and abstraction unite in vivid harmony. His work not only fulfills a personal artistic quest but also serves as an invitation to others to explore their own perceptions and experiences through the lens of art. For more insights into his creations, you can follow him on Instagram or visit his website.