Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Reed.
Christian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been interested in the arts. I went to school for photography and then again for interior architecture. My mom is a lifelong artist and traveled a lot over the years. I’ve followed in those footsteps. I’m half German, and, into my teens spent most of my summers on a small island off the coast of northern Germany where I would watch houses, boats etc. being built by hand by local craftspeople, I think those were maybe the first elements that impressed on my psyche the value and satisfaction of working by hand; manipulating physical form to create something.
My first deep-dive into three-dimensional art was through stone sculpture. I eventually let go of the dream of carving stone for a living though because it seemed like folly. I didn’t know back then the power of perseverance. I started working in the architectural field after school and even though I was doing a lot of drawing by hand, it wasn’t cutting it in terms of feeding my soul. After a backpacking trip in Europe, I came home with a print of a Gustav Klimt sketch (no, not The Kiss) and was so inspired that I carved a frame for it from wood. That was really the start I guess. My passion to speak through my art found its new medium.
Has it been a smooth road?
I really like this question because it’s ripe for contradictions. I’m completely self-taught, which means I’ve had to sell skills to clients that I didn’t actually have at the time! Lots of trial-by-fire; and with a clients money and trust in play, that can get quite stressful. At the same time, this dynamic forces me to take chances and discover new ways of doing things in order to bring an idea to life.
Successfully doing that fosters confidence in a huge way, even though there are of course plenty of f-ups along the way. In lots of aspects of life, I think there are huge rewards in approaching things with a certain bit of ignorance. Jumping-in, I guess you would say. It allows your mind to flex and be open and curious, rather than being limited to a certain way of doing something just because that’s how someone else does it. In lots of art forms, there can be a bunch of expense in time and money. Woodwork is no different. It’s expensive. It eats space and time.
As for struggles, I find the hardest thing is getting my name out there. I’m kind of an introvert, and “selling” myself is NOT something that comes naturally. I would much prefer to be in my studio working on something cool and then let it speak for itself. Doesn’t quite work that way though. Lots of artists I know deal with this to varying degrees, and I’m in awe of those that can ride that knife edge of studio time and self-promotion.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Revelwork – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company is called Revelwork. I’m in Grant Park where I design and build highly custom, detail-rich woodwork. I make one-off pieces. and also offer limited series runs of various designs. A scope that includes seating, tables, cabinetry, jewelry and tableware. The one-offs are often design driven by a particular piece of wood and so, cannot be reproduced. The series pieces also include original line art that I etch into bronze plates.
Bronze plays a regular part in the studio and shows up in various forms. Bronze and wood in combination really help express the soulful and emotional current that infuses my work.
What makes me most proud? I love love love when a piece that I’ve doted over in design and construction finally becomes real, right in front of my eyes. It’s incredibly fulfilling. Sure, my work is recognizable as a “table” or, a “chair”, but I can tell you that there are so much soul and expression just under the surface that leads to its creation.
Every piece for me is a journey of self-discovery; and if art is an expression of a voice, then that’s how I speak. When I confirm to someone that a piece they saw somewhere is in fact, my work, it’s confirmation that the energy shines on through.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I think the creativity and quality in the arts and music scene in Atlanta is pretty astounding and I feel really fortunate to have friends who are creative in many different fields. I’ve lived all over the downtown area and love it!
Current fav. lazy afternoon; spend a few hours walking from Midtown to Grant Park along Peachtree St. while dropping in for a beer at various spots along the way. It’s great to feel that buzz of energy you only get in a city.
What do I like least? Needing a car. I’d love to really be able to function without a car.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.revelwork.com
- Phone: 404.861.5369
- Email: info.revelwork@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revelworkstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Revelwork
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Deborah Belyeu
June 2, 2018 at 1:03 am
Alluring pieces of functional art, not just “furniture made from wood.” I’m smitten. My Klimt print (and it is “The Kiss”) is prominently displayed in an otherwise ugly room…would love to have found it while backpacking in Europe. Alas, I found it in Fayetteville and the frame – far more valuable than the print, of course – isn’t nearly as lovely as yours sounds. Much success and many blessings to you as you express such fluid, yet obviously sturdy, works. And, you look a great deal like your very well-loved brother! Cheers.