Chris Collins: A Whole Lotta Nonsense

October 11th, 2011  |  by Published in featured, featured artists

Chris Collins is a South Hadley composer, filmmaker, photographer and writer (whew!). He also is an amazing supporter of other artists. Chris runs the Nonsense Society, a website dedicated to exposing new artists to the world. He’s an unassuming, modest guy  but when you look at the immense body of work he’s created your jaw just drops. His talent is beyond his years and his support of other’s work is inspirational to say the least. Listen, watch and read all about what Chris is about below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you trying to communicate or explore with your work?

It depends on the project, but I’m (usually) trying to explore some sort of intense emotion I have or have seen. I don’t like creating things unless they make me feel weird in some way. I’d say my favorite feelings to convey are sadness, love, fear, joy, and intensity. Other times I am communicating a general mood or tone. I’m surprised at how creepy a lot of my work is. I’m obsessed with exploring/depicting worlds that are incredibly uncomfortable or dark. I want to make my audience feel something. I think feeling emotions you may have never felt before is awesome, so I think it’s a goal to give that to people. I’m not really sure how I’ll be able to do it in the long run, but I’m working on it.

A Hero’s Journey (preview) – Royalty Free Track by chriscollinsiscreative

Where were you when you created one of your favorite works?

I’m not sure how to answer this question. Since this is a Northampton publication I’ll tell this story: One of my OLD favorite creations (Nonsense Thoughts) was created at the Sierra Grill in Northampton. I was being very anti-social and drawing all these little funny/emotional pictures and thoughts down on a notepad. I randomly decided to post it on the Internet and it became really popular. I published a book from the series, started a separate website for it, and got thousands of new fans. However, this is an “old” favorite project because I don’t feel it expresses me properly anymore. I change and evolve very often, and so does my work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you see your art in relation to cultivating community and how does community affect the work you make?

I try to create a lot of community in art. In 2009 I created the “Nonsense Society” which is an international community of artists. I spend a lot of time cultivating that community and trying to support the artists involved. I’ve seen a lot of artists (from all over the world) make friends after meeting through NS. Seeing them collaborate and become friends is amazing and touching. When it comes to my own work I try to inspire artists to use my work (for example, my royalty-free music composition project). I also think it’s important to be involved with other artists who are similar to you. If I ever feel I am drifting into the wrong circle, I start to move in a different direction. Community in art is so important. I get very frustrated with artists who hide their work because they are afraid of theft and criticism. Get out there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your spirit animal?

Walrus. No idea why.

Looking Glass (Royalty-Free Track) by chriscollinsiscreative

What places in Northampton and around are you most curious to see inside of, or to make work in?

I’m more interested in the people of this area. The Valley is filled with really interesting people. Honestly, I’ve never been outgoing enough to get to know many people in the area. I’ve seen some amazing creativity from some amazing people. Most people around here support expression in every way, and it’s great. I think there is a lot I can learn from this area. In particular, I’d love to document (maybe film) what makes the area so artistic and unique.

What are some strategies you use to sustain your creative practice?

I try to change a lot. Every time I see something new I try to see what’s awesome about it. I don’t want to be one of those creative people who can’t change and grow. I’m always obsessing over something new and trying to learn from it. For example, I usually am very quiet after every new movie or concert I go to. Someone might think I didn’t like the movie, but I’m probably just obsessively thinking, “Oh man, how did the director do that? Maybe if I used this camera angle, this lighting, and this video filter… Wow, I have a lot to learn.” I love that feeling. It drives me to keep growing and changing. I’m always ready to hear a new musician or look at new art. It’s rare that I push something away and say, “I get it.” I probably don’t…

 

Chris Collins Links:

 

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