Chris Clark lives and breathes art. Craft and creation are so deeply woven into the fabric of his being that conversations with him may, at times, feel like a barrage of hypertext—unveiling connections between light and color, object and subject, artist and audience. To him, it’s quite simple: He harbors a deep connection with the things that people make with their hands. But to us, talking about art with Chris is to be invited on a sensory journey through the lives of these artists as we go through the gallery.

It’s true that the life of an artist is, in itself, a work of art. Indeed, there are targets that everyone can see, and then there are targets that most of us don’t even know exist. Chris is an artist who aims for the bull’s eye on the latter of those two targets. And if you’re paying attention, you can see how precisely his work hits the mark.

Chris’s work is very much a reflection of his studies. It notices and takes care of the subtle details in form, light, and color—rendering still life under the diligent guard and careful attention of a trusted sage. But it also celebrates the tradition of creation, bending it in necessary ways in order to squeeze reverent connection and authentic emotion from a mere two dimensions.

Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with Chris, learning about his gallery, his vast collection, and interviewing the artists about their lives and their work. For Chris, it’s all about care. Can you notice the care put into his work? Into his gallery? Into his life? I sure can.