Fluid Image - Jay Somerset

"I find some of the images very humorous because you see people doing ridiculous things that people don't usually do."

The work of Toronto independent painter Christian Huffman has been described as "inquisitive, playful and magnetic." This description may also be attributed to Huffman himself, though he is too modest to say so.

3 Lost Girls
© Huffman 2000

I had the pleasure of sitting with Huffman over some drinks at a Toronto bar to discuss his paintings. Sipping from a bottle of Sol, Huffman, with black glasses and blond hair, described where his ideas derive from. "A lot of my images are based on Japanese fashion magazines," said Huffman. "I find some of the images very humorous because you see people doing ridiculous things that people don't usually do."

Tal
© Huffman 2000

Indeed, humor plays a role in the playfulness his paintings invoke. But, Huffman contends, humor is not the sole agent at work. "These are real observations of the way some people view life, live life," said Huffman.

Keen observation translates into paintings of people without distinct facial features. In other words, Huffman's faces are not drawn with typical noses, eyes and mouths. Instead, Huffman,with the stroke of a brush, is able to create something much more effective. "Each face truly has its own expression and I believe this comes through with much force due to its obliqueness," said Huffman. Huffman does not credit names to the creatures he draws.

A lot of my images are based on Japanese fasion magazines."

L to R Matt + Shane
© Huffman 2000

Though currently based in Toronto, Huffman spent seven years as an artist in London, England. The London art scene, as with much in England, can be very traditional in its aesthetic tastes and difficult for a new artist to break into. Nevertheless, London offers new inspiration for artists in the sense that it offers visitors insights into art that is not based on American ideals.

"What I love about London is its ability to look at itself as an unique place with history and heritage," said Huffman. "Toronto tends to lend itself to provincial thinking rather than celebrating aspects of its own history, beliefs and aesthetics." One thing the Toronto art world does value is traveling. "It goes without saying that people take you more seriously once you've been away and seen how others view art and culture, said Huffman.

Huffman, 31, is the son of two well-known Toronto artists. His mother, Joan Sirr, was very influential in the 70's and 80's as a soft-sculpture and fabric artist. His father, Fred Huffman, is a model maker who specializes in boat constructions. "My art in many ways is a combination of my parents in the sense that I like fluid images but am very comfortable with black ink and technical drawing."

Huffman's work can be seen in several restaurants and bars in Toronto. He plans to have a show in London in the coming year with the aid of his agent Marnie McGhie of Headroom.

Chris Huffman can be contacted through his agent
Marnie McGhie Headroom at 416-995-1135