We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Christen and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Eric, what makes you happy? Why?
I love nature, the earth and animals. I relax and get all cuddly and humble in the woods or by the sea. I adore beautiful women. I love truly ingenious and gifted persons such as Terry Pratchett, Antonio Gaudi, Salvador Dali, Nicholas Tesla and David Bowie. I can listen to music all day when I am in the mood. On a darker note, I am also gladdened by the demise of evil men. I love the smell of roses, lavender, sweet pea blossoms, jasmine and freesias. I also love great humor and am still a fan of Monty Python.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am interested in the unknown, in originality, in experimental creative processes. My range of ideas is broader than most. I have never been interested in copying or photographing things. I plunder the mystical depths of my imagination and diversify my work. I am eclectic and am easily bored with one arena. I have developed a high level of skill in design, drawing, writing and inventing. I am currently completing technical drawings for a completely new table tennis table invention worth millions to the first investor from whom I require $100,000 to sell the patent etc. I consider art to be the highest, most complex, and honorable of all mankind’s activities. There is far more creativity in art than science, for example. I have maintained myself largely through teaching and designing, and developed art, writing and invention in my spare time. I have also enjoyed living and working in 8 different countries. I consider travel to be one of the greatest forms of real education.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m 64 and have been there and done that. I currently live in Dallas which is not an exciting city. If my friend Robert (75) from Auckland was visiting me, I’d take him to Nashville for 3-4 days because he likes country music. Then perhaps pop over to Manhattan, and relax in Rhode Island by the ocean eating seafood and drinking whiskey.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been inspired by other innovators, talents and intellectuals such as David Bowie and Brian Eno, Terry Pratchett and Arthur C. Clarke, Krishnamurti and Terence McKenna, Salvador Dali and Antonio Gaudi, Nicolas Tesla and Elon Musk.
Website: https://www.christolides.com
Twitter: https://surealizmo.com