“The phoenix must burn to emerge.” – Janet Fitch
Failure is a lesson in disguise that helps a person get a clear perspective on their goal. No one has ever achieved success without failing. The real-life story of artist and musician Chris Arvan exemplifies this. In his early 50s, this artist is setting new career goals after reaching his creative best. He is now carving a niche for himself as a versatile talent who is bridging the gap between visual and performing arts. He overcame hearing loss and substance abuse to become a musician and an NFT artist. Here’s his story.
Growing up, Chris was always passionate about music and art. His love for music made his love for art come second. As he grew up, Chris became a master of instrumental music. His fascination for rock and pop music helped him achieve several milestones in his career. In 1989 Chris replaced the lead guitarist Paul Gilbert in the band Racer X. However, his successful career came to a sudden halt in 2017 when Chris was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, diplacusis, and hyperacusis.
His fading hearing could no longer identify different pitches in sound while composing music. It was perhaps the most difficult period for the artist to cope with since overcoming substance abuse in his early 20s. Even in the face of adversity and with no assurance from the doctor of his hearing returning, Chris never gave up. Instead, he began exploring new artistic avenues as a career.
It was during this time that Chris was able to reignite his love for visual art. The endless prospects that NFT has introduced in recent years caught his attention. Chris knew there was no looking back for him even if he lost his hearing for the rest of his life. He went on to create the most unique and fascinating digital art that has earned recognition through various exhibitions.
In 2019, Chris’ life took a positive turn as his consistent treatment started showing results. His hearing returned to normal by the end of the year. 2019 also brought him a notable project as a musician. Chris composed the music for the official trailer of the Oscar-nominated film 1917. In the next couple of years, he reached a series of milestones as an artist. Chris’s NFT artwork was featured in different exhibitions across the US. The list includes the Bitcoin Conference in Miami, the Stratosphere exhibition in Beijing, and the George Lopez Foundation charity event.
Currently, Chris is excited to showcase his new creative David Bowie-inspired piece ‘Alligator Space Invader’ at the NFT.NYC exhibition in November. His artwork will be screened at Times Square during the event. The artist will end the year on a high note by gracing another exhibition, Art Basel in Miami, in December 2021.
In his 50s, Chris Arvan is becoming a role model for many aspiring artists who are afraid to chase their dreams because of the challenges they face. Chris is setting an example for them by planning his music releases and art projects for the next 10 years and even beyond. He is set to enthrall his fans in the spring of 2022 with another music launch. He has proved that challenges are not meant to stop you but make you unstoppable if you take them as lessons.