DAY JOB: CHRISTOPHER SILK

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Christopher Silk is a 29-year-old visual artist from Jersey city who works in a variety of mediums, including painting, mixed media, video art and sculpture. He currently has a two shows hanging downtown: at the White Star Bar (230 Brunswick St.) and at Leo Cooke Wine Cellar (140 Bay St.).

Day job: Freelance Package Designer

What's the worst or most interesting thing that's happened to you at work?
I used to design packaging for a toy company. When you are surrounded by toys all day, every moment seems to be pretty interesting. It's nice to blow off steam by having a water-gun fight in the office.

Does work ever conflict with your art?
Yes, especially when I have to work in the morning. I tend to make most of my work in the middle of the night.

Do you have health insurance?
No -- is that an offer?

Who are the three people you'd most like to have at one of your shows, in terms of helping your art career?
Collectors, gallery owners and friends.

If Wal-Mart approached you about using your work in an ad, for a large sum, would you do it?
Possibly. It depends on the piece of art and what they were offering. Honestly, my work is somewhat twisted and slightly humorous - so it might be cool to see how the model Wal-Mart consumer would take to it.

Any additional thoughts on the conflicts and intersections of work and art?
Package design and fine art are both quite fun. I have no idea which path I'll end up taking. Balancing the two is interesting, but a steady paycheck is important.

ON THE WEB:
Christopher Silk

Day Job is a weekly column examining the contradictions, conflicts and convergence between work and art. We're always looking for new people to profile. If you or someone you know fits the bill, send us an e-mail.