About Chris Kettle
Still Life has been around for centuries but an element often absent from conventional paintings is animism - the attribution of a living soul to inanimate objects. Kettle's work does just this with his contemporary take on the Still Life theme, allowing the viewer to decipher the relationships and humour that underscore Kettle's work.
“Perhaps I can help. I've seen Chris Kettle's work before. Back then of course, the aubergine was king. It still features, but somehow got out of the glass tank which used to be its royal prison. Now it lies beached but tagged in 'Time to think'. An important title since it seems Kettle is painting in a more contemplative mood.
“Look at his colour; interior pastels like Dulux paint charts. Look at the way the fruit has turned its back on us. In 'Wanna Go To The Beach?' they sit like a retired couple spectating the view from a slit window. In 'No real news' there is a grey vista of waves familiar to any Channel observer.
“Certainly, Kettle is developing into a painter who is cleverer than he looks. Either that or he is becoming a most unusual commodity - a painter who looks like he thinks. Watch this space.”
Chris Kettle is a graduate of Cardiff University with a BA (hons) in Fine Art. He currently works from his studio in Brighton, England and exhibits in London and Brighton.