NIGHT GALLERY
The Decidedly Devilish Art of Coop

Chris Cooper, or Coop as he signs his work, has been a prime mover and shaker in the art world for decades. Starting in the world of rock posters for bands and live shows, the Bixby, Oklahoma native quickly graduated past the car show circuit into a successful merchandising business of his now famous posters, limited edition prints, art books and just about everything else you can slap a smoking devil on.

A fixture within the art world and hot rod culture, Coop has now surpassed good friends and mentors Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and Robert Williams, although the shy, bearded fellow would be the first to disagree. Coop himself is a cultured gentleman who has created a high bar for his own personal standard of excellence in his work.

Indeed, this was evidenced at his recent show called Idle Hands at Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery where most of the patrons attending the evening were dressed in suits and ties, the ladies in classy evening wear. Gone were the Betty Page look-alikes and tattooed greaser types. The artist himself looked resplendent in his elegant suit as he graciously greeted his public. Old Nick caught up with him where he generously took the time to answer a few questions about his life and incredible art.