The Art of Stillness | Christian Carlson at Crow Valley Gallery

||| FROM AYN GAILEY for HALO |||

“Place has become a pendulum swing for me between life in the Skagit Valley and life on Orcas Island — one busy showing artists at Perry + Carlson Gallery [in Mt. Vernon] and one very quiet. Always between them is the Sea and I spend time there too, usually alone. Often there is a sense for me that words don’t easily capture and this is what I try to paint.”

For painter, former architect, and gallerist Christian Carlson, those words describe his experience of moving between land and sea and how that has become central to his artistic practice. His exhibition, The Ineffable, currently on view at Crow Valley Gallery through its collaboration with the nonprofit HALO, explores the quiet immensity of the natural world.

Having practiced in New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle, Carlson’s work has evolved over decades from an interest in conceptualism and modernism toward a more contemplative approach. His paintings evoke the meeting of land and sea—not as depictions of actual places, but as impressions of solitude, stillness, and space.

Carlson is also co-owner and gallerist of Perry + Carlson Gallery in Mount Vernon, where he has been a generous champion of Orcas Island artists. His participation in the HALO x Crow Valley Gallery collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting contemporary artists and fostering creative connections across the islands and the Skagit Valley.

On Friday, October 23, HALO and Crow Valley Gallery will host a reception celebrating The Ineffable, followed by a conversation, followed by a Q & A, between Carlson and HALO’s Ayn Gailey exploring his creative process, inspirations, and the ideas behind his work.

Wine and refreshments will be served.

Friday, October 23
Reception | 4–5 PM
Artist Talk | 5–5:30 PM
Crow Valley Gallery, Orcas Island

Ten percent of exhibition sales will support HALO’s programs and resources for island artists.

About HALO

HALO (Hub for Arts & Literature on Orcas) is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to raising the visibility of contemporary island artists through exhibitions, mentorship, workshops, and creative resources. Learn more at www.wearehalo.org.