Meet Christian Salem

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christian Salem a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Christian , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Inspiration certainly comes and goes, and when it hits, you must harness that energy, take advantage of it, and let it guide the creative process. I’d say my creativity is consistently strong, and the ideas are always flowing, but the inspiration arrives in waves. For me, it primarily stems from travel, positivity, movement, and an openness to adventure. Simple pleasures like a sunrise, hiking, swimming, seeing the ocean or the joy of a dog, reaffirm my creative spirit, while movement and mindfulness keep my artistic inspiration strong and remove any creative barriers.

Travel is a significant source of creative drive and inspiration for me – I feel an intense sense of creativity when I’m traveling or when I come back from a trip; it rejuvenates my appreciation for life and art, and it just makes me want to create something, use my hands…paint! Being outside, playing sports like basketball, tennis, and surfing, and mostly being on the beach, fuels my energy and creative perspective. Finding inspiration in the beauty of everyday life and practicing gratitude is a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Through my art, I aim to reflect these values and share the beauty and positivity that fuel it.

Battling burnout is for sure a part of my journey, and staying active and practicing mindfulness helps me maintain my creative drive and overcome any other barriers life throws my way. Life can get dark and scary at times, and that drive can disappear – movement is key! Surfing, in particular, has taken me to different parts of the world, exposing me to diverse cultures and perspectives that deeply influence my artistic expression. The rhythm and energy of surfing, along with its culture, resonate with me and are often reflected in my art. My style of painting or brush strokes often resemble the flow of waves. An active lifestyle keeps me fit, clears my mind, and encourages my artistic motivation.

I inherited my creative eye and drive from both my parents. My dad, Anthony (Tony) Salem, lived with empathy, courage, kindness, and creativity. He taught me to seize the moment and enjoy every step of the way. He never missed a sporting event of mine or my brothers’ and as an Orthopedic Surgeon, he retired from surgery just so he could attend all of our sporting events. He loved taking pictures with his camera; after every game, he’d print them out to bring to school and share with friends and teammates. His passion for photography and gratitude for life and nature inspire me daily. I owe him the reason I may have a more artistic viewpoint in everyday life, and in everything I do, I find myself paying tribute to him, enriching my artistic ability, and finding inspiration in his legacy.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My Roots: My artistic journey is deeply rooted in my love for nature, animals, and travel, as well as having great parents who instilled gratitude in all of us. Whether I’m surfing or surrounded by mountains, my imagination is often ignited by movement and all things outside. I started drawing randomly as a little kid, often sketching in the bleachers when I was dragged to one of my brother’s sporting events, as well in class, mostly middle school – I had intense ADHD (appreciate all you teachers out there who had me in their classroom) and of course my mom. It was then that I discovered a natural talent. However, it wasn’t until I took an art class my senior year of high school in 2012 where I was first exposed to painting. Despite being advised to drop the class for science or something more ‘practical’ – due to applying to Colleges (I still got into my first choice, Dickinson College) I decided to stay in it. And that was my first time experimenting with paint and creating a painting and thinking to myself woah, okay I like this, this feels good. I didn’t really touch a paint brush again until the start of COVID, when a friend asked me to paint a portrait of his sister’s dog for her birthday. Since then, I haven’t stopped.

I was born 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia and currently live in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, working in sales for a software company. I spent every summer in Maine, a 10-minute walk to where the famous artist, Winslow Homer lived and drew inspiration from for his paintings. Maine’s natural beauty, rugged coastlines and peaceful environment significantly shaped my artistic viewpoint.

This passion for nature and art was inherited from my dad, an incredibly caring doctor, loved for his genuine care, kindness, and love for life and his patients. He was an avid photographer who captured moments that showed me the beauty in everyday life. As a top orthopedic surgeon for over 45 years, a recognized athlete (recently inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame), and a loving father and husband, my dad always motivated me to see the beauty in everyday life. My art honor’s this sentiment.

My Art: If I had to say, the most exciting aspect of my art is its diversity in form and medium. My art includes paintings (usually acrylic), scratchboards, etchings, sometimes spray-paint with acrylic paint, and drawings in the sand on the beach, often intertwined with photography to make prints. Whether it’s a drawing in the sand using a stick, a commissioned piece of someone’s beloved pet, or a landscape capturing the essence of a favorite travel destination, my goal is to evoke happiness and a sense of connection.

Another exciting aspect of my art (so I have been told) is its ability to capture movement well, and that my style is super “flowy and wavy”. I strive to reflect the joy and tranquility I find in everyday life and travel through my art. The vibrant energy of a sunrise, the calm yet hectic attraction of the ocean waves and the lively spirit of dogs (what I started out painting the most of as commissioned pieces) are themes that frequently appear in my art. With a twist of colorful absurdly curly lines and curves : )

My Values + Brand: My “Brand” is about sharing a sense of gratitude, having fun, being yourself and inspiring others to experiment and just ‘Make it Happen.’ I find a lot of joy in creating pieces that are colorful and funky, using what I experience in the world as inspiration. I hope to make a meaningful impact on others, and just provide good vibes all around, it’s about fun, being different and experimenting – there are no rules in art! Be a little weird.

Generosity and kindness, influenced by my parents’ example, are core values in my life and art. My dad’s compassionate nature and my mom’s beautifully bright spirit have taught me the importance of caring for others. Kindness goes a long way! It expands your heart and opens new opportunities. This is reflected in my art, where I strive to exceed my clients’ expectations and create deeply resonant works. My self-discipline in art (though lacking in other areas of my life) stems from a commitment to not letting others down. I find a lot of joy in the creative process and the satisfaction it brings to those who receive my work. This sense of responsibility fuels my dedication to producing my best work.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Embracing Risk and Self-Expression: Developing confidence in my art came from taking risks and being true to myself. Experimenting with new techniques and putting your work out there despite the fear of judgment is crucial. You are worthy and capable of being a positive source of light and making a difference in someone’s day or life. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes; these are essential parts of the learning process. Early in my journey, I approached a few local restaurants and a beer distributor to create my first two murals. I did the first two murals for free to practice and have something under my belt, kind of as I now have access to free seafood from Cameron’s Seafood on 16th and Fairmount Ave, which is preferred. These initial projects were stepping stones that led to many more opportunities, teaching me the importance of taking that first step, even when it’s intimidating. (And now the owners of these establishments are friends of mine). Be authentic in your self-expression and embrace your unique perspective. Positive feedback will come, but it’s the growth and learning that truly matter.

Finding Inspiration in Nature and Travel: The beauty and simplicity of nature and the experiences from my travels are primary sources of my inspiration. These elements ignite my creativity and offer a fresh perspective. For those early in their journey, immerse yourself in environments that inspire you. Whether it’s nature, urban landscapes, or new cultures, let these experiences and places fuel your creativity. Keep a sketchbook or journal to capture moments that spark your imagination and take pictures! Have fun with it and do what makes you happy (in a healthy way); you will be surprised by the creative fuel that will follow.

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle: Staying physically active is crucial in keeping my mind clear and my creative drive strong. Activities like surfing, working out, and playing sports help me overcome burnout and stay motivated. Regular physical activity, even a daily walk, can clear your mind, spark new ideas, and connect you with new experiences or people. For instance, during a random walk between work, I met fellow artist Jody McGrath, who later you guys, Bold Journey about my work, leading to this interview.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents have profoundly shaped who I am today through their unwavering love, support, and incredible resilience, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy, creativity, and strength. The support and positivity from my parents have been a guiding force, helping navigate difficult times with courage and perseverance. Witnessing my a’s dedication to helping others and my mom’s unwavering support and positivity have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion. My parent’s gratitude for life, nature, and the ocean, as well as their loving and fun spirit, have taught me to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. This sense of gratitude has enriched my life and artistic perspective, allowing me to find inspiration in the simple joys of life.

My dad, a great orthopedic surgeon, was and is an incredibly kind and compassionate human being, touching the lives of everyone he met. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, treating every patient, friend, and teammate with the same respect and care. He was always there when someone needed medical attention, often at our house. Almost every night after school, someone would be at our home getting a cortisone shot, a knee drained, a cast made (he would make them in our kitchen using boiling water and a pot), or having an X-ray read. His dedication to helping others was evident in his creative approach to medicine, often thinking outside the box to find solutions that saved lives, limbs and improved the well-being of so many people. My dad’s support extended to all our activities and his gratitude for nature, animals, and the ocean, a perspective shaped by not seeing the ocean until he was drafted into the Navy out of medical school in the 50’s.

For the past eight years, my now 87-year-old dad has been battling dementia, and his health has been declining rapidly. This past January he had to go into in-home hospice for other issues, which has been a hard time for all of us. Despite this, he has been incredibly tough. The nurses have been saying since mid-January that he wouldn’t make it to the next month. This challenging period has brought my brothers, my mom, and I closer together. I’ve been flying down to Florida at least once a month for the past 2-3 years to be here for him and my mom.

My dad, of Lebanese descent from immigrant parents who arrived in the 1920s, instilled a deep pride in our heritage. My parents live in a condo on the beach, which is how I began experimenting with sand drawings. I often get up early with my mom to watch the sunrise by the ocean. One day I picked up a stick on the beach and started drawing, that original stick was used each day till about a year ago – now home to a Golden Retriever. This mix of photography and drawings done on the beach have become some of my most loved and unique pieces. My father’s passion for photography and his appreciation for life, animals, nature, and the ocean—shaped by not seeing the ocean until he was drafted into the Navy out of medical school in the 50’s—has deeply influenced my artistic perspective and love for life. He always encouraged my creativity, cherishing even my simplest efforts. I remember him saying, “Hey, don’t throw that out, it’s beautiful, keep it” referring to my used paint palette. His support and enthusiasm for my art have been a constant source of inspiration.

My mom is and has been so strong, positive, and a sympathetic presence during this time. She has been a bright light shining in every community we were ever a part of, always mindful and thoughtful. Her compassion, sense of humor, fun and loving spirit have been invaluable. Both my parents have shown incredible resilience and toughness, particularly as we navigate the challenges of my father’s declining health. Their strength and positivity have been a guiding force for me and my brothers. Their support extended beyond my artistic pursuits to every aspect of my life.

Their encouragement was a constant source of motivation, helping me and my brothers develop confidence, toughness, and empathy. The kindness, sense of humor, and big hearts shaped us into who we are today. In essence, the most impactful thing my parents did for me was love – they showed us so much love, and we love them. They provided a nurturing and caring environment, filled with laughs and upliftment. Their strength, kindness, and selflessness have left a lasting mark on our lives and many others.

I am forever grateful for their impact and how they continue to help me grow and connect with the world around me. As I write this from Florida, the nurses informed us about a week ago that my dad may pass in a few days and by the time this is published, he will likely be gone. We love him so much, and he has lived an amazing life with so much to be proud of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: absurdly_curly
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-salem-142ba2151/

Image Credits

Samantha Choy. Instagram: sammysleeps

Samantha is a very talented photographer and friend who took the pictures of me painting the wave mural outside of Cameron’s Seafood.

All other photos shown were taken by me on my iPhone