There are many indelible moments that resonate from the popular Kings Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, but perhaps one of the most memorable is the opportunity I had to get familiar with “artist in residence”Christopher Hogan who returned again to give his popular art classes during the five day elephant polo event. Hosted by the luxurious Anantara Resort & Spa in Hua Hin, the 11th annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament was a week long charity event that took place from September 12 to September 16, 2012 and raised $600,000USD for charities that benefit the elephants of Thailand.

Christopher Hogan is an internationally acclaimed artist, designer, and sculptor. Originally from Australia, he graduated from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) and also has a Diploma of Fine Art from the Brisbane Institute of Art. He is a visionary who is dedicated to sharing the gift of art with his signature style and unique interpretations of contemporary abstract art.

The Artist at Work

Christopher Hogan is easy to spot as he dashes about in his signature black fedora with a permanent smile on his face. His booth in the VIP tent demands my attention and stops me in my tracks as his displays of abstract artwork dominated by bold and bright colors emotionally draw me in.

“I am inspired by nature” Christopher stated, “Especially marine life, but also tropical jungles and the rainforest”. It’s easy to see the organic influence on the large colorful canvas, and I begin to notice familiar patterns in his work. Abstract in nature, one of the best things about this artwork is that it is totally up to your personal interpretation. That might explain why his 2-hour private art classes are so popular with both children and adults. Christopher utilizes a powerful technique focusing on line, form, color and compensation to bring out the latent artist in just about anyone. “I like to de-mystify abstract art. Sometimes people are intimated, but I try to simplify it” shared Christopher.

” I particularly like to work with children, they have a purity of imagination and are able to express themselves without boundaries”, added Christopher. He went on to speak passionately about what his experience at the 2011 King’s Cup Elephant Polo event when he found an opportunity to work with underprivileged and autistic children in Thailand. It is something he continues to support and is looking to expand upon in the future. “There are few things as rewarding as working with children who may have never had the opportunity to express themselves in this way”.

These days Christopher spends the majority of his time globe- trotting as an artist for the international hospitality and resort market. He works frequently as a corporate design consultant and has unique collections appearing in five star hotels around the world. He also enjoys doing private commissions and recently finished a project for a influential private patron in India.

“I am also interested in useable art. I love art that is functional, something you can drink out of, stand on, or wear. Art should be for everyone, and in addition to my commissioned pieces I enjoy making art that is accessible”, Christopher went on to say. Recently Christopher has teamed up with Westland Giftware to develop a line of original products including everything from tote bags and glassware to sculptures and swimwear. To view the product line visit the website atwww.westlandgiftware.com where you can order online. Its a fabulous way to own a piece of Christopher’s work and experience the functional art concept for yourself.

The Verdict

Art remains one of the most tangible and evocative ways to express human perceptions of the world we live in. Every once in a while you meet someone like Christopher Hogan who embodies this concept from head to toe. What I found in him is a charismatic man, with a generous soul and a passion for sharing his art that is as big as his talent. For more information visit Christopher Hogan’s website at www.christopherhogan.me visit his Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/christopher.hogan.designer or follow is blog atwww.christopherhogan.me/blog.