The Life of a Sign Painter
Chris Krieg’s journey started with a love painting and a love of heights. "I remember climbing into a sign when I was 11 years old in the mall and being absolutely fascinated by it," he recalls, the rush of heights enticing him from a young age. Too captivated by the craft to sit in a classroom, he encountered a union billboard painting job in 1973. From this gig he gained countless skills of the trade from mentors and other painters of the trade.
"You had to be a bit fearless to climb these signs, it wasn't something you could learn in the classroom"
After honing his skills in skylines of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago throughout the 70s and 80s, Chris made a move in 1990. He relocated to Evergreen, Colorado, where he became maintained his dedication to the craft, while raising a family. In the years since, he has fallen in love with the mountain community continuing to bring the highly skilled, large-scale craft of his union roots into the foothills and Denver area.
EARLY WORK AND INSPIRATIONS
Union Training
Billboard Era
Masters of the Trade
Beginning in 1973 in San Francisco, local union Local 510 became a masterclass. Learning from World War Two veterans, the craft was built on skill and fearlessness.
Through the 70s and 80s, the skyline was one big advertisement. From NYC and LA to Chicago, every massive sign caught passerbys' eyes with bold visuals.
Throughout his sign-painting years, Chris shared his down time with some of America's founding members of the contemporary art scene.
Milestones
1960s
Growing up in the 60s was a pivotal time, sparking an early fascination with signs and the advertising world during a golden age of pop culture, classic cars, and iconic advertising.
1973
Started as a fearless billboard painter in San Francisco, California. Joined Union Local 510 and learned the tricks of the trade from masters.
1977 - 1978
Lived and worked in Los Angeles and New York City, curating urban billboard painting techniques in the most competitive environments.
1980s
Continued billboard painting across Chicago
1990
Moved to Colorado to become the first professional billboard painter in the state, falling in love with the mountain community of Evergreen.
Present
Operating Chris Krieg Arts in Evergreen, CO, focusing on the fine art of pop-art and large-scale murals.
PHILOSOPHY
“I’m really into reintegrating iconic images from our advertising lexicon, and the visual world we grew up in. I love reworking those familiar symbols and creating a metaphor or some type of contradictions within the piece.”
Chris’s work finds its power in the combination of nostalgia and scale. By integrating iconic imagery from our past visual lexicon, he drives a narrative where commercial art is fine art.
IN THE STUDIO
In the studio in Evergreen, billboards of the west meet the fine arts craft of a gallery. Chris carries the heritage of a dying craft while creating beautiful works in classic supplies. Using pure oil pigments, mineral spirits, and high quality varnishes, Chris curates pieces that are built for quality and longevity.
