While in college I came up with the idea of drawing collages in the shape of a larger image, and filling them in with smaller images to tell a story. My first major collage was drawn on the wall of the Acacia House at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstowncampus in 1998. As I drew it, I anticipated the artwork to be temporary since the University typically painted the walls of the dorms each year, but I am proud to say that 10-years later the collage is still there. The University, at no request of mine, has taken upon themselves to paint around it for over 10-years.

Recently, I have been doing a lot more drawing again, and I love it! I love being able to sit down with a clean sheet of paper, and with just me, my mind, and a pen, be able to create something truly unique that many people can enjoy.

Each original collage is drawn freehand with fine, black art pens on high quality bond. The entire processes takes approximately 3 months elapsed time and 60 to 70 hours of drawing time. It’s just me, a pen and a piece of paper.

My favorite media is pen and ink. Collages have always interested me. I like being able to hide things in plain sight. I like to be able to tell an in depth story through smaller images, in the shape of the overall and prominent image. I like to draw pieces that make people think, intrigue the viewers mind, and hold attention. I don’t want people just to look and think “That’s kind of neat.” I want people to be to be infatuated and feel like they must pick it up and hold it to find all the images; and laugh and point as they do it. I want the viewer to think “this is greatest artwork I have ever seen.” The sole purpose of me drawing a collage is for the “wow factor.” So be sure to look close because you never know what you may find.

Chris’s Favorite thing about the strip:
I love “The Strip” because the Strip helps to define Pittsburgh. If you think of 10-things about Pittsburgh, I’m sure The Strip will be on your list. The Strip is the “ebay” of our town. If you want to find something neat, or cool Pittsburghers go to the strip. I also love the open market feel, and the immense about of blue-collar commerce. Pittsburghers selling and buying from Pittsburghers.

Contact Chris at:
412-527-1697
xinsirhc@yahoo.com

Jenn’s Jems is a mother-daughter team consisting of Debbie Maier Jacknin and Jenn Orefice.  When Jenn was 14, we decided to turn their hobby into a business, creating Jenn’s Jems. We have been in business for over 8 years and our line includes one of a kind jewelry, hand knit and crocheted items, a skill Debbie learned from her mother.  The knit and crochet items include head bands, hats, scarves, and Debbie’s personal favorite – a market bag.  They are a stylish way to reduce plastic waste.

We enjoy making unique jewelry so that our customers get something that is truly special!  One of our favorite things to do is create jewelry to match a specific outfit.  We have created jewelry for weddings, Bat Mitzvahs, christenings, proms, and other occasions.

We are very excited about the opening of the public market.  Once again, Pittsburgh was declared to be a most livable city.  The strip district is one of the great things about Pittsburgh.  Pittsburghers have been working for many years to make the public market and flea market a reality and it is this type of hard work and dedication makes Pittsburgh such a wonderful city.

You can contact Jenns Jems at:

JennsJemsJewelry.etsy.com

debo1960@aol.com

412-427-5500

Jenn’s Jems also carries a line of janie bags: purses, pillows, and other accessories made from materials like antique Japanese silk. Jenn’s Jems also carries handspun and dyed yarns from Pucker Brush Farm.