STUDIO DDLA
“Wondrous”
Opening March 7th
Welcome to Chris Towle's Wondrous Exhibit—a celebration of mechanical ingenuity and cinematic artistry. Chris Towle’s journey began in England, where his acclaimed skills were sought after for legendary fi lms like Gladiator and Star Wars. This early recognition paved the way for a vibrant career that eventually led him across the Atlantic to Hollywood, where his artistic vision transformed the special effects landscape. His impressive resume reads like a catalog of modern classics, with contributions to such iconic fi lms as Star Wars: Phantom Menace, Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park 3, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, War of the Worlds, Avatar, World Trade Center (Oliver Stone/Nicolas Cage), League of Gentlemen, Team America, Castaway, Sleepy Hollow, Time Machine, and more.
At the heart of this exhibit lies Chris's unique method: crafting kinetic sculptures that are as much a tribute to vintage machinery as they are a leap into a futuristic vision and a nod to vintage machines. By salvaging mechanical parts from aerospace innovations, repurposing old cameras, and reimagining industrial machines alongside everyday objects like copper kettles and fi rescreens, Chris breathes new life into forgotten relics. His creations are a harmonious blend of the old and the new—echoes of Jules Verne's visionary tales, merged with the precision of an engineer and the creativity of a seasoned prop-maker. Equally captivating are his exquisite bronze creations, where his meticulous attention to detail and the expressive character of his fi gures shine. Each piece, whether kinetic or cast in bronze, tells a story imbued with humor, personality, and a narrative that invites viewers to explore the magic behind every design.
We invite you to delve into this wondrous world where cinema, craftsmanship, and the innovative reuse of technology converge in a mesmerizing display of art and ingenuity.
“Magic Camera Box”
Meet CHRIS
Chris Towle was born in a small picturesque town in Yorkshire, England. The region, well known for its history in engineering, was the home to Robert Stephenson’s Darlington Rocket. This culture was the backdrop that inspired Chris’ love of machines. His formal school training was not art but engineering.
That said, at odds with school from an early age, he insisted on repeatedly running away. Finally, an insightful teacher gave the five-year-old a lump of clay to work with, which instantly gripped him and stopped him from leaving the classroom. Discovering clay was the catalyst for a lifelong relationship with sculpture.
His acclaimed skills have been sought after in England for films such as Gladiator and Star Wars. He eventually moved to The U.S. continuing his artistic career in Hollywood; he contributed to great special effect movies like Star Wars, Phantom Menace, Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park 3, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, War of the Worlds, Avatar, World Trade Center - Oliver Stone/Nicolas Cage, League of Gentlemen, Team America, Castaway, Sleepy Hollow, Time Machine, Avatar, amongst many others
Chris lives in Glendale, CA, with his artist wife, Nathalie Tierce, and son Joshua. He has a studio workshop in Hollywood where he works on personal projects, commissions, and collaborations.
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
Studio DDLA
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles’ Historic Chinatown, Studio DDLA stands as a pioneering space dedicated to death work in the United States.
As a cornerstone of Historic Chinatown, our studio continues the rich tradition of artistic expression that has thrived in this neighborhood since the late 1990s. Originating with the Black Dragon Society, a collective of Art Center College of Design students, this community has long been a hub for emerging artists and innovative galleries. With Studio DDLA, we honor this legacy by providing a platform for local artists and members of our vibrant death doula collective community to showcase their work.
Beyond our commitment to showcasing diverse artistic perspectives, Studio DDLA offers a versatile space for photographers, videographers, event organizers, and more. From immersive art exhibitions to dynamic multi-day events, our studio welcomes a range of creative endeavors.
For gallery use, screenings, photography, video shoots, retreats & other multi-day or closed events, please submit your proposal below. Rental pricing will be determined based on event application.
Questions can be directed to admin@deathdoulala.com.
Hours
by appointment only
Address
944 Chung King Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Submit your proposal
This form is for gallery use, screenings, photography, video shoots, retreats & other multi-day or closed events.