about

Christopher grew up in the City of Bread and Roses, where he became captivated by the remains of the Industrial Revolution eroding in real time. Old brick mills, weathered infrastructure and materials built for utility and endurance became an early influence.  At the same time, he was drawn to the city’s cemetery trees: gnarled, twisting giants standing among an otherwise urban landscape. He had a hard time not looking up. It was there that he found his fascination with trees, landscapes and the way living things can become landmarks themselves.

Christopher studied at Essex Agricultural and went on to become an ISA Certified Arborist and founder of Blackbird Arboriculture. His years working with trees and landscapes continue to shape his creative practice, particularly his interest in age, imperfection and the relationship between built and living materials.

His upbringing among the remnants of an industrial city also informs his use of reclaimed stone and tough, honest materials. The physical labor of building is an important part of the work. He sees the act of moving, placing and assembling material not simply as construction, but as a form of creative expression.

That same interest in living landmarks extends beyond his work. Christopher and his wife, Ali, co-founded Home at Last Farm, where they rescue and rehabilitate miniature horses. They live on a small farm in Maine among horses, goats, pigs, cats and dogs ; a setting that continues to influence Christopher’s work and his belief that the most interesting places are never truly finished.