Chris Natrop Interview

Chris Natrop is a very hard-working artist currently living in Los Angeles, California. You can find his article / feature in the second issue of Rebel.

Here is the very interesting interview that we had … Read on!

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Wisconsin and went to school in Chicago, but have been living in California since 1993. Five years ago I moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco.


What influences and inspires your work?

When I work in the studio the world kind of spills out of me. Or at least my particular take on the world. I want to combine my emotional state with my direct environment and reformat that into a new world in which others can participate. I’m inspired by the universe.

What does color mean to you?

To my work, color is very important. It can be very subtle or excessively bold. Color creates a type of sub-structure to contain all the white.

Where do you see yourself as an artist in 10 years?

Since my wife is currently pregnant, I see myself with a 10-year-old son.  I have no clue other than that. Art-wise I do not even know where I will be 6-months from now.

Describe your design process.

Very little is “pre-designed”. My process is very spontaneous. I stand in front of a great sheet of blank paper and begin cutting with my utility knife in a stream-of-consciousness way. The work emerges through the repetitive process of cutting paper.

When starting a piece, do you always have the end project in mind?

When it comes to my installations, I usually have a predefined project in mind. The main reason is that the work has to occupy space, which is at a premium in my studio so I need to search out of places to mount my installations. Manipulating space is integral to my process. I always get precise photographs and dimensions of a particular space before starting a project. I refer to the photos regularly during production. In fact sometimes I even get a 3D computer rendering made so that I can virtually refer to the space as needed on a three-dimensional level.

Why were you attracted to using paper?
Using paper is directly related to drawing. I’ve always used paper to make art even before cutting it. But as an installation artist, paper also allows me to make hugely inflated installations with the greatest economy. Its not just monetarily beneficial, but also spacially. The largest multi-room installation can be shipped and stored nicely within a 12″ diameter tube. It pretty amazing.

Do you prefer a certain type of paper to use?

The white paper is 60″ rolls of Lenox 100 and the black paper is Somerset Velvet black printmaking paper. However I have not been able to find more of my black paper and it makes me depressed.

How often do you receive paper cuts from your art?

I never receive paper cuts from the actual work, but I do regularly get cut from the seamless backdrop paper I use to protect the pieces. I also seem to accidentally stab myself with my knife at least once during every project.

How would you explain your work to a stranger?

I would describe my work to a stranger as the contents of my cranium expanded into a micro-universe that welcomes visitors.

What is the most difficult thing about doing what you love?
Are you assuming that I “love” what I do? Everything is difficult with it! But nothing if more satisfying. I love making new worlds but the process can be trying. Cutting all that paper is murder on my arm but I can’t stop. I guess its a compulsion.

What do you have planned for 2010?
Do you have any exhibitions coming up?
I have a solo show scheduled at Taylor de Cordoba in April 2010. Very excited about that. The gallery space is relatively petite, so I hope to thoroughly transform it.



Who are your favorite artists/ musicians?

I really like artists Tara Donovan, Sarah Sze, Tam Van Tran. And I love dance music. I listen to it a lot while working. Dancing while cutting paper as the best. I’ve been listening to the live Justice album as of late. Also, more on the dl is This Mortal Coil and Radiohead.

Photos : Chris Natrop Website
Portrait of Natrop : Patrick Grandaw

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