Chris DeKnikker: Woodworker, Sculptor, Artist

Posted August 27, 2024

For Season 39, Ars Nova Singers commissioned one of the visual artists represented in our June, 2024 Shared Visions project, Chris DeKnikker, to create our season artwork. Each of our concerts this year will feature an image of a piece by Chris, specially chosen to reflect our theme of CONTRASTS.

We thought you would enjoy getting to know Chris and seeing a bit more of his work.

Chris DeKnikker is an artist primarily working with collected wood and lumber. This familiar material invites the viewer to access his work and get lost in the intricacies of its construction and story. Each sculpture is created from hundreds, sometimes thousands of small, individually honed pieces. Each tiny piece is no more or less important than the piece next to it, all contributing to the overall concept. Chris states, “There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my work spark the curiosity of the viewer, even if only for a moment or two.”

Inspiration is everywhere, according to Chris. He finds it in the lichen, in the shadows on the bark of a tree, and in the light shining through the petals of a flower. Chris doesn’t mimic these observations, but rather uses the stimulation to fuel his creativity.

Chris DeKnikker was born and raised in Chico, CA, cradled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Chris made his way to Oregon and received a BFA in graphic design before heading to Colorado where he earned a Master of Landscape Architecture degree. Chris lives in Colorado where he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, and gardening with his wife and son.

When we invited Chris to be our Season Artist, he responded:

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the Season Artist for the 39th season of Ars Nova Singers. Becoming involved with Ars Nova Singers has been a pivotal moment in my artistic journey, significantly shaping my understanding of what it means to be an artist. It has reinforced the importance of our roles as creatives to inspire, challenge, and spread joy.

The theme of the 2024-2025 season, CONTRASTS, has long been embedded in my work. My sculptures explore the tension of opposing forces such as expansion/contraction, light/dark, and fluidity/rigidity. They capture the moment when these forces collide, creating a sublime resolution.

Each of my sculptures is born from hard work, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail. I strive to push the boundaries of expectation, inviting viewers to question their perceptions. Wood, a familiar material, allows my abstract wall sculptures to connect with people, resonating on a deeper level and welcoming them to be inspired and enlightened.”
– Chris DeKnikker, August 2024

Chris’s work has been shown in multiple galleries throughout the Front Range as well as Mash Gallery in Los Angeles. Check out his website to see more of his incredible work: www.chrisdeknikker.com