ANYONE viewing the work of this month’s featured artist at the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre in Prestatyn might think she’s down in the dumps.
Chris Baker’s striking collection of local landmarks in moody monotones do seem to reflect on a time of depression and forgotten dreams.
But the bubbly Prestatyn artist believes nothing could be further from the truth and says the inspiration for her work has more to do with a digital, rather than depressive, neurosis.
“I always work from photos because I don’t like sitting outside unless it’s boiling hot,” said Chris, who has a home-made studio in her dining room.
“I was looking at the shadows and when I messed around with them on the computer
I thought that looks good.
“The paintings are in oil except for the Grange Hotel which is acrylic and I‘ve found if I keep things simple they seem to work better,” she said.
Other easily recognised landmarks are the Talacre Lighthouse and Llandudno’s Garth Hotel which was popular with Alice in Wonderland’s creator Lewis Carroll.
The exhibition will run until 5 March and one of the paintings has already “spoken” to someone visiting the Scala who bought it on the spot.
Another viewer commented that it was the only collection of work he had seen in a long time that impressed him and did not remind him of “chocolate-box art”.
Chris started drawing pictures in fashion magazines as a young girl and dreamt of one day being a designer herself or going on to art college.
But shortly after leaving school reality set in and she studied as a secretary instead and
ended up in a nine-to-five for her local council.
Chris says her latest work investigates light and shade paying particular attention to shadows to explore the effect of tones and perspective.
“I’ve always been influenced by pop-art and Bridget Riley from the 60’s, black and white squares that make your eyes go funny,” said Chris.
“I was thinking about King Arthur in Wales for my next project and I would like to take some time out to investigate that and perhaps use some colour.”

A new art gallery in Prestatyn was opened officially this month by the chairman of the Arts Council of Wales. Professor Dai Smith cut the ribbon at the Oriel Scala next to the high street based Scala Cinema which is Wales’ first all digital venue. Professor Smith paid tribute to the staff and artists and said when he walked into the centre he could not believe they had reached such high standards of presentation. Prestatyn, UK. 04/02/2010. Read More