Digging into the abstract art of Christopher Murphy

Christopher Murphy creates another world with his art.

In his world, color, form and line have no rules to follow.

Found objects become part of the canvas and contribute to the final piece of work as much as the paint itself.

"Art history opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of expression," said Murphy, who has an extensive background studying art, earning both his bachelor and masters degree in painting and mixed media.

He creates what he calls abstract portraits, commissioned interactive pieces where the client gives him materials to incorporate into the painting.

Materials can range from seashells, to-do lists, old film reels and anything else that the client wants the portrait to be inspired by.

On exhibit as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition is one of Murphy's paintings "Lines of Communication."

The painting has a telephone wire, a phone jack and words to encourage viewers to think about the way we communicate with one another.

Murphy spoke about how his inspiration to create art comes partly from the ability to create work and share it with the public.

"Seeing and hearing peoples reactions to my work is an exhilarating experience, whether the reactions are good or bad," Murphy said.

He also teaches mixed-media art classes at Redux Art Center.

Next Event: Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition, May 28-June 13 at The Charleston Visitors Center, 375 Meeting St. Free.

Website: christophermurphyart.com

Birth date and place: February 1970 in Florida.

Residence: Mount Pleasant, 3 years

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Columbus College of Art and Design; Masters of Fine Arts, Georgia Southern University.

Career: Artist, picture framer, art teacher

book reading now: "Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art" by Jennifer New.

Influences: Abstract expressionists, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Basquiat, Cy Twombly.

Price Range: $200-$2,000

artwork featured locally: Scoop Studios, 57 Broad St.