Chris Peldo stands in the doorway of the detached garage he has converted into a studio. "Suburbia, he moans. Is good for the soul." If Peldo is a leading figure in the emerging Chicagp Pop Culture Movement- he doesn't look the part. He appears quite ordinary. But, quickly you are introduced to the candid, uncensored nature that fills his work with direct, unfiltered honesty. In conversation, it doesn't take long to see the energy that is ultimately unleashed in his paintings. And unleased it is!

Peldo finds his imagery on the streets- off billboards and cereal boxes, from newspapers and magazines. Comic book characters and logo marks layered one on top of another grow into a screaming vibrant jungle of visual images. The relentless showers of color create a unique abstraction of pop art and first person expressionism. "It's like Pop meets Abstraction 90 MPH- Head on." " When I go into the studio to paint, I have no idea what is going to happen'," Peldo says. "And I don't want to." "I work as a designer during the day. It's a very detail oriented, precise discipline. With my paintings I just let loose."

Peldo's involvement in the world of advertising and design has had another, even more direct connection to his painting. In 1993 Peldo was chosen by Michel Roux and Absolut Vodka to represent the state of Illinois, joining 50 other artists from across the U.S. in their international "Absolut Statehood" advertising campaign. "I had always wanted to do a piece for Absolut, so when they called I was very psyched."

While the confines of family life in suburbia fosters an apperarance of normality, there is no mistaking Peldo's unusual perspective on life and it's connection to his art. Those who know him well are often confounded by his occasional momentary refusal to "grow up." "it's a gift," he routinely responds.

Too young to be a baby boomer, too old to be a Generation Xer, Peldo is floating in a boundless generational limbo, helping him avoid donfirming labels and thematic limitations. That freedom results in a refreshing unpredictability. Just as his art violates the boredom of suburbia by quietly commiting outrageous acrylic images to wood and cavas, having a Peldo or two invade the tranquility of your home does wonders to keep the dullness of life at bay.