Mountains of the Moon: Chris Benchetler's Artistic Tribute to the Grateful Dead and Mountain Environment
Renowned artist and mountain athlete, Chris Benchetler, recently launched a unique mountain art project that combines his creative talents, athletic prowess, and the nighttime mountain environment to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. This project was a complex endeavor that showcases Chris's motivation and influences as a mountain athlete and artist.
Nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for Chris Benchetler's art. He creates intuitively, allowing his instincts to guide him in expressing something deeper than words. His process unfolds organically, with each brushstroke leading to a larger picture that he senses rather than plans.
Mountaineering and climbing have provided Chris with a different perspective on the mountains, influencing both his skiing and art. Climbing has taught him patience, persistence, and respect for the environment, shaping him as an athlete and artist. Epic climbs and failures have been valuable learning experiences that have contributed to his growth.
The confluence of nature, art, and mountains is essential to Chris's work. Nature inspires him, art is his medium of expression, and the mountains serve as the backdrop where his creations come to life. Through his art, Chris aims to communicate the ineffable, combining disparate elements to evoke a resonance that transcends the literal and resonates with viewers.
Growing up in the Eastern Sierra, Chris was surrounded by inspiration from an early age. The challenges he faced, including the loss of his father, provided him with perspective and appreciation for life's important aspects. These experiences shaped his deepest passions and relationships, guiding him towards manifesting his own reality.
Chris's most ambitious project, "Mountains of the Moon," is a visual experience that captures light, shadows, and contrast in the mountain environment. It weaves together life, nature, and sport into a narrative that feels authentic and true to his vision as an artist. The project represents the convergence of all his ideas and emotions, externalizing the dreams swirling in his mind.
Three key takeaways from Chris's mountain experiences include the importance of presence, the lessons nature teaches about resilience and adaptation, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The mountains serve as shared spaces that remind us of our responsibility to care for and respect them.
"Mountains of the Moon" is a tribute to dreaming big and honoring the spaces that inspire Chris. It also pays homage to the Grateful Dead's music, community, and legacy. Through this work, Chris aims to evoke emotion and create a shared experience that resonates with others on a deeper level.