Meet Chris Haas | Artist and Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Haas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Living in a small town, it’s easy to be known for what you do or have to offer and to be involved in the community. I often have opportunities to make personal connections with many different types of people through my work and I feel like I often end up connecting those people with each other as well, forming an even stronger sense of community. I regularly take part in local group art exhibits and occasionally even organize and produce events on my own, including performing in a local rock band. I like to think that I help bring people together on both creative and social levels. I also really hope that I inspire people to be more creative and express themselves artistically. I’ve been invited many times to talk to the students at the local schools about what’s it like to be an artist and musician and I think that’s got to be one of the best ways that I’ve been able to help or give back to my community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m mostly known for my work with animal skulls and mixed media. I feel fortunate and grateful to have my own unique take on the age-old practice of decorating skulls and using them to make art but I also love to create pieces without using skulls as well and I even still enjoy the simplicity of working two-dimensionally. I appreciate being able to keep the creative options wide open and being able to make whatever type of art I feel like making. I’m super- excited that I’ve finally started making wearable art masks and I definitely plan on continuing to experiment with art fashion and wearable art! I love that “thrill of the hunt” that fills my spirit when I get excited and motivated to explore new forms of art and new work. I feel like that passion along with a very dedicated and almost obsessive work ethic has helped me to purse a career in art and music. It can be tough road to travel, especially if you start comparing yourself to others and doubting yourself. I have overcome many obstacles simply by not realizing they were there. When I look back at how confident and naive I was when I started out, it makes me laugh but I know that truly and unapologetically “believing in myself” was ultimately what got me where I am now. I hope that my work stimulates people’s imaginations and inspires creativity. I hope my story helps others to believe in themselves and to follow their creative bliss… whatever it may be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, since I actually live outside of the city in a rural area, I would be mostly be taking them on outdoor adventures. If it was in the wintertime, we would definitely be skiing/snowboarding as much as possible at Wolf Creek Ski Area and if it was during any of the other seasons, we would be hiking, biking and camping in the beautiful San Juan mountains or rafting in the river. We would enjoy the local cuisine of “Pagosa Baking Company”, “Kip’s Grill and Cantina” or “Riff Raff Brewing” and perhaps catch some live music at Motel SoCo. Maybe even have a show booked somewhere in town with my band, “Ragwater” and get to personally rock their socks off! We would definitely have to soak in the famous mineral water hot springs located right downtown and if it were feasible, we would take a day to ride motorcycles around the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, Ursala Hudson

Website: chrishaasart.com

Instagram: @mfhaastyle

Facebook: Chris Haas Art

Image Credits
Ursala Hudson