Chris Soto

Chris Soto was a prolific Star Trek: TOS fanartist and an early vidder. 
 
Chris also wrote fiction under the names "Ciana Mitchell," and "Ciana Sepulveda."
Most of her fanart had a Star Trek: TOS/K/S or Darkover focus.
Chris featured much male nudity, but never sexually explicit illustrations.
In 1987, Chris wrote: 
==Her Passing==
She passed away in May 1997 of cancer.
Her art appears on Fanlore at the request of Kathy Resch her fannish executor.
In October 1998, one of the editors of The K/S Press wrote:
==Some Fanart Firsts==
Her first published fanart was Darkover in 1984, then in Star Wars in 1985.
Her first published K/S art appeared in First Time #6 in 1986.
Her first piece of published Starsky & Hutch art was in The Fix #3 in 1988.
Some of her Darkover pieces were in Moon Phases #12 (1991) which was a single novel called "Masks" by Jean Lamb. This is a story that was very controversial. See: Marion Zimmer Bradley Fanfiction Controversy.
==Awards==
* Surak Awards (1987, 1988)
* Philon Awards (1996, 1997)
==Interviews==
* On the Double Interview with Chris Soto (May 1987)
==In Her Words==
Comments about her art (1987):
Comments about meeting fans for the first time at the 1994 Shore Leave, and a tribute to friends:
==Sample Fiction==
 
* Forests of the Night (1988)
* The Eagle and the Hawk (1989)
* Unfinished Business (1990) 
* One Tin Soldier (1990) 
* Ordeal by Consent (1991)
* Ballad of the Rival Lord’s Son (1991)
* Honorbound (1993)
* Secret Admirer (1995)
* Desert Wind, poem, published the same month that Soto passed away (1997)
* The Edge of the World (from her last fiction, an unfinished novel; Kathy Stanis and Robin Hood completed it) (1999)
== Songtapes==
Partial list of her Star Trek vids (at least 15 vids were made):
* "Another Saturday Night" by Cat Stevens (this vid was shown at the 2004 Vividcon "Wayback Machine" vid show)
* "I Don't Know Much by Linda Ronstadt/Aaron Neville
* "Highway to the Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins. This is the first vid she made and it won an award at IDICon 1988.
* I Dreamed a Dream from "Les Miserables" ("tells the story of Kirk’s loss after Wrath of Khan") (this vids was shown at the 2005 Vividcon "High-Definition Theater" vid show)from The K/S Press #6, February 1997.
* I Heard It Through the Grapevine
* In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins ("features the battle between Kirk and Khan in Star Trek II, as well as original scenes from Space Seed," (this vid was shown at the 2009 Vividcon "History of Vidding: 1985-1990" vid show)
* Land of Confusion
* One Hand, One Heart by Neil Diamond ("has scenes from "Amok Time") In K/S Press #36 one fan wrote: There’s “One Hand, One Heart” with the gripping scenes accompanying “…and even death won’t part us now”.
* One Moment in Time
* "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx ("deals with the events in STIII, along with several scenes from the classic series")
* The Best
* The Burning Heat
* The Tijuana Jail
* This Time" by Neil Diamond ("The song is about a second chance at love, and features scenes from The Voyage Home")
* Turn, Turn, Turn
* Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
===Reviews of Her Songtapes===
Because songtape distribution was more complicated than printing and distributing fanzines, very few detailed or comprehensive reviews of Chris's vids have been published. However in 1994, in the K/S letterzine Come Together #7 one fan offered the following review of one of Chris' songvid collections:
In a later issue of the letterzine, this review prompted one fan to plaintively ask if Chris could possibly distribute her songtapes through a zine publisher so more fans could watch them.LOC to Come Together #10, October 1994.
When the K/S Press released her vids on videotape in 1998, another fan wrote:
==Reviews of Her Writing==
Chris wrote under the name of Ciana. 
===1992===
===2003===
==Zine Contributions==
===Star Trek===
* Alien Brothers 
* Amazing Grace
* Artforum
* As I Do Thee
 
* Beside Myself
* Beyond Dreams
* By His Side
* A Collection of Dreams
* A Collection of K/S Poetry
* Crossroads 
* Daring Attempt
* Daybreak
 
* Elegy for Amanda
 
* Fantasies
* Fetish
* First Time
* First Time Calendar
* Guardian 
* The K/S Art Project
* KSX
* LoneStar Trek
* Matter/Antimatter
* Mind Meld
 
* Morpheus Rising
* Nome
* One Night Stand
* The Poets and I 
* Portraits
 
* Promises to Keep
* Scattered Stars
* Sharing the Sunlight
* T'hy'la
* To Catch a Unicorn
* Trexperts
* Vault of Tomorrow
* Warlords
* Way of the Warrior
* Whalesong
* Where Angels Fear
* Year of the Ram
===Other===
* Ambrov Zeor!
* Before & After 
* Comlink 
* A Companion in Zeor
* Contes di Cottman IV
* Distant Shores
* The Fix
* Jumeaux
* Moon Phases
* Nightlight
* Playfellows
* Prisoners of the Night
* Rec-Room Rhymes
== Sample Art==
===Star Trek===
====1986====
File:Firsttime6-1.jpg|from First Time #6 (1986) - "A double drawing of Spock and Kirk, it is simply gorgeous. Soto is among the finest K/S artists around, I think." from The LOC Connection #23 (1990) 
File:Firsttime6-6.jpg|from First Time #6 (1986) - "Spock in the desert, looking up at the sky, reminds me of a crusader to The Holy Land — and is he not? So beautiful! from The LOC Connection #23 (1990) 
File:Firsttime6-7.jpg|from First Time #6 (1986)
File:Bymysideart7.jpg|from By His Side (1986)
File:firsttime8noart5.jpg|from First Time #8 (Time Enough) (1986)
File:firsttime8noart6.jpg|from First Time #8 (Time Enough) (1986)
File:Asidothee5-1.jpg|from As I Do Thee #5 (1986), for Twix't Night and 'Morrow
File:firsttimeeightback.jpg|from First Time #8 (Time Enough) (1986)
File:firsttime8noart2.jpg|from First Time #8 (Time Enough) (1986)
File:firsttime8noart3.jpg|from First Time #8 (Time Enough) (1986)
Image:actfan-3.jpg|from Fantasies, for "Do Dreams Dream of Me?" (1986)
Image:firsttime11-7.jpg|dated 1986, from First Time #11 (1987)
Image:firsttime11-8.jpg|dated 1986, from First Time #11 (1987) 
Image:actfan-5.jpg|from Fantasies (1986)
Image:actfan-6.jpg|from Fantasies (1986)
 
File:collectionofdreams1986-1.jpg| from A Collection of Dreams, a long-haired Spock (1986)
File:collectionofdreams1986-2.jpg|from A Collection of Dreams, a long-haired Kirk (1986) 
File:Daringattempt6back.jpg|from Daring Attempt #6 (1986)
File:Chris soto daring attempt 6.JPG|from Daring Attempt #6 (1986) - "As usual, this picture is gorgeous! I love her delicate touch, the fine detail, symmetry. I would know her work now anywhere, it is so distinctive. I keep wondering how fandom holds onto her! Her work surpasses many of the professional artists I've seen in pro books and magazines, and they are making lots of money! Thanks, Chris, your contribution to fandom is breathtaking." from The LOC Connection #9 
 
 
 
File:firsttimeeightfront.jpg|from First Time #8 (Time Enough) (1986) - "The art in TIME ENOUGH is all pencil work by Chris Soto. Being an avid fan of Chris' work, I was a bit disappointed in her art here. Most of the drawings are very stilted with little or no emotion evident. The one piece I did like, the Kirk on the cover, was unsupported by the rest of the drawing. Personally, I much prefer what I've seen of Chris' pen and ink; there seems to be more depth to the drawings, more emotion in the eyes. The art doesn't detract from the story, but it doesn't enhance the story either, which art should do in a novel." from Datazine #49 "The cover and interior art by Chris Soto were the best I've seen from her."from Treklink #8
 
 
 
====1987====
Image:sotoksartproject.jpg|from As I Do Thee #7, for the story, The Valley of the Blue Sun, titled "A Quiet Moment" when it was included in The K/S Art Project (1987)
File:Waywarrior1.jpg|from The Way of the Warrior #1 (1987)
File:naked13.jpg|from Naked Times #13 (1987) 
File:Alienbros chrissoto.jpg|from Alien Brothers (1987)
File:Alienbros chrissoto-2.jpg|from Alien Brothers (1987)
File:Nome10art7.jpg|from Nome #10, for One More Door -- "This is a gorgeous illo! A close-up side view of Kirk and Spock in a meld; bare arms and shoulders. Spock's hands are on Kirk's face and you can see that Kirk is looking slightly away from Spock's eyes. I'm awed by that detail alone. It looks exactly like them as they appeared in the early movie arc. It could nearly be a photo. I envy the owner of the original illo. I had to make a copy of this pic before giving the zine back to my friend. It's one of the best drawings of K&S I have ever seen. I also enjoyed reading the story that accompanies this drawing: "One More Door," by Ellen Morris. An unusual but very poignant story." from The K/S Press #57 
 
File:Asidothee9front.jpg| from As I Do Thee #9 (1987) - "Most gorgeous Kirk and Spock portraits, in tuxedos. Flawlessly done, in ink, such strong black and white. An ironic thing about these depictions is that Spock the non-Terran looks so at home in a tuxedo, with his classic elegance; and it's Kirk who shouldn't but does look more out of character in a tuxedo, and this is a turn-on." from Come Together #30 "When the zine fell out of the envelope, I held my breath. There was the most magnificent Chris Soto pen and ink illo of Spock centered on black, wearing a tux! The execution is one of the best I've seen of Chris's. She certainly can't be surpassed when she works in this medium. There is a matching Kirk on the back, but unfortunately the pose the artist used has been done too many times. Nothing could touch the Spock anyway." from On the Double #6 
File:Asidothee9back.jpg|from As I Do Thee #9 (1987), reprinted in The K/S Art Project - "Mention these covers to anyone who’s seen them and call them the “tuxedo covers” and they’ll gasp with pleasure. It’s worth it to get the original of this zine just for the covers. A sophisticated, elegant tuxedoed Spock with a hint of haughtiness and power graces the front. A boyish, handsome Kirk, looking as if he’s a little too young to be wearing such sophisticated attire, graces the back cover. Both are surrounded by a black background which lends an air of mystery and strength to these drawings." from The K/S Press #21
File:Firsttime9-2.jpg|from First Time #9 (1987) - "What would seem a simple picture; Kirk and Spock in silhouette as Spock remembers his lover after the fal tor pan. But in front, Saavik watches her mentor. Her gaze is caught by the two men as they are drawn to each other. And her eyes are filled with wonder. The balance of the two, Kirk and Spock almost ethereal, Saavik solidly substantial, is perfect."from The K/S Press #77
File:Firsttime9-9.jpg|from First Time #9 (1987)
File:firsttimenineback.jpg|from First Time #9 (1987)
File:Firsttime9.jpg|from First Time #9 (1987) - "I did want to say something about Chris Soto's art work on the cover of issue #9... I didn't get a chance to talk about them in my editorial. I know by the time you read this that I will have reveived [sic] numerous loc's about their beauty... (haven't I just!!) Chris is a marvel, so easy to work with, fast, and so wonderfully good. (witness the art if FT8). Thanks Christine. I've been accused of keeping her chained beneath my bathroom sink (along with others) What can I say. It's true!. And I don't regret it. I'm a hog, and I've learned to live with it." from the editor in First Time #10
File:firsttimeelevenfront.jpg|from First Time #11 (1987)
File:firsttimeelevenback.jpg|from First Time #11 (1987)
Image:firsttime11-3.jpg|from First Time #11 (1987)
Image:firsttime11-4.jpg|from First Time #11 (1987)
 
File:firsttime12-4.jpg| from First Time #12 (1987) for What Cannot Be Cured
File:firsttime12-5.jpg| from First Time #12 (1987) for What Cannot Be Cured
File:firsttime12-6.jpg| from First Time #12 (1987) for What Cannot Be Cured
Image:firsttime13-4.jpg| from First Time #13
Image:firsttime13-11.jpg| from First Time #13 -- "This illo shows Admiral Kirk standing over Spock, who is kneeling in a meditation robe. In the center is a larger Kirk figure. All the figures are well-rendered, including the larger Kirk, who is appropriately half in shadow. This shows that he is lost in memory. The light and shadow on the larger Kirk's face also balances in the composition with the dark firepot and the bright flame in the foreground. The smaller Kirk's light Admiral's tunic and Spock's dark meditation robe are balanced as well."from The LOC Connection #13 br> "The Chris Soto illo in this story encapsulates the entire feeling on one page. Chris' pen and inks are masterful. While I enjoy her pencil's, it is hard to beat or even match the cleanness of the black and white medium she most often uses. This illo is incredible." from Datazine #49 
File:Firsttime14-5.jpg| from First Time #14 (1987)
File:Firsttime15-7.jpg|for the story Burden of Shadows, from First Time #15 (1987)
File:First time calendar sept.jpeg|for the story Firebird, from First Time #15 (1987) - "A beautiful painting of Spock as a Native American. I am awed by the attention to detail, and the excellent rendering of the different textures—such as the bead texture on Spock's armband and the texture of Spock's feather... I could go on. Spock looks every inch a chief in this illo." from The LOC Connection #10
File:First time calendar march.jpeg|for the story Firebird, from First Time #15 (1987)
File:Firsttime15-10.jpg|for the story Firebird, from First Time #15 (1987) -- "This is a touching illo of Kirk and Spock in Native American costume during the novella, "Firebird", with Spock leaning his head against Kirk's chest. The geometric pattern on Kirk's headband is echoed in the background. Both of these, and the pattern on the frame look like Native American blanket patterns. Spock's expression and the disordered hair on his right side indicate subtly that Spock is still unwell. He has only recently emerged from healing trance at that point in 'Firebird'".from The LOC Connection #10
 
 
====1988====
File:Vault13-3.jpg |from Vault of Tomorrow #13 (1988)
File:Vault13-9.jpg|from Vault of Tomorrow #13 (1988)
File:Mindmeld5art1.jpg|from Mind Meld #5 (1988)
File:Mindmeld6front.jpg|from Mind Meld #6 (1988)
File:Guardian8art4.jpg|from Guardian #8 (1988), portrays Kirk and Carol Marcus
File:Elegyforamanda.jpg|from the first edition of Elegy for Amanda (1988)
File:Within mirror 1 interior by chris soto.jpeg|from Within the Mirror #1 (1988)
Image:withinthemirror1-soto-1.jpg|from Within the Mirror #1 (1988)
Image:withinthemirror1-soto-2.jpg|from Within the Mirror #1 (1988) - "...the Soto Spock, will cause more than a few goosebumps out in fandom. This gets my vote for a Surak as well!" from On the Double #10
Image:withinthemirror1-soto-3.jpg|from Within the Mirror #1 (1988)
File:vault13.jpg|cover of Vault of Tomorrow #13 (1988)
File:Matterantimatter6-4.jpg|from Matter/Antimatter #6, titled "The Crusaders" (Soto borrowed heavily here from Marco Polo, another Nimoy role)
File:Matterantimatter6-7.jpg|from Matter/Antimatter #6, titled "Son of the Shaking Earth" - "This image of Spock in the "Time Travellers" portfolio which portrays him as a Mayan nobleman is very lovely. It has a dignity and sheer sense of presence that is unequaled. I could praise the composition and the distinctive textures of the feathers and jewels, but what stands out is that this Spock is every inch a prince." from The LOC Connection #18 
File:crossroads.jpg|front cover of Crossroads (1988) - "...lovely, moody. Sad in the sense that each of them is alone and pining, you can just tell—Kirk on a beach, Spock on Vulcan." from Come Together #31 
File:Crossroads back cover.JPG|back cover of Crossroads (1988) - "This isn't just another long-haired Spock on Vulcan. He is contemplating a fragment of an IDIC medallion with a jagged edge. The composition is excellent. The whiteness of the IDIC fragment stands out against the blackness of Spock's hair and robe. Yet it is the symbolism of the broken IDIC that most interests me. Spock couldn't practice IDIC in its completeness on Vulcan—any more than he himself could be a whole person there. This is very appropriate to the theme of the novel that Chris is illustrating." from The LOC Connection #18 
 File:ksx2.jpg|from KSX #2 - "...beautiful, idealized, and totally recognizable. from Treklink #13 "I just have to rant and rave over this lovely picture of a long-haired Kirk. When the zine spilled out of its envelope, I was greeted with this lavender wonder (the zine used lavender-colored paper). The lines were flowing, with Kirk's hair as Kirk gazes at us — what is he thinking? The hand-movement is well-done, and I know that hands and arms are difficult to do." from The LOC Connection #5
File:fetish.jpg|from Fetish (1988) - "Chris Soto has outdone herself again. Picture after picture kept coming, each one getting better than the last. With the exception of the two Suzan Lovett's, (lovely, aren't they?), Chris did all the work (the pencils are still smoking and she's started drinking -- or maybe she always did.... Ah, well.... Thank you, Chicanita. We'll have a real fight when you get taller.... from the editorial of Fetish 
Image:fetish-1.jpg| from Fetish (1988)
Image:fetish-3.jpg| from Fetish (1988)
Image:fetish-5.jpg| from Fetish (1988)
Image:fetish-6.jpg| from Fetish (1988)
File:firsttimesixteenfront.jpg|from First Time #16 (1988)
File:firsttime16-1.jpg|from First Time #16 (1988) - "[A] gorgeous nude Kirk, lying on his front on a bed, head resting on his hands, staring off deeply into his alone-thoughts. Then an exquisite Kirk close-up against the stars, and we see. again, he is a man of deep feeling. And Kirk and Spock together; Spock right where he should be. at Kirk's shoulder, so there for him." from The K/S Press #4
File:firsttime16-2.jpg|from First Time #16 (1988) - "Although not highly erotic in nature, they are lovely and one, in particular, of Kirk should cause a few palpitations in the reader's breath." from On the Double #10 
File:firsttime16-4.jpg|from First Time #16 (1988) - "[I'd first] seen when I leafed through before reading, and I just couldn't wait to get to that scene. I sure don't know how Kirk could contain himself, seeing Spock for the first time in this scene; Spock in barely-clothes (when in Rome,..) with braided leather thongs around head and bicep." from The K/S Press #4 
File:firsttime16-5.jpg|from First Time #16 (1988) - "Kirk and Spock together against backdrop of stellar stuff; lovely. Then, chest-up Kirk and Spock nude, with the most beautiful, small smiles. By now in the story, they definitely have not been containing themselves.... Making us "believe" Spock smiling is an art, and this one was just perfect." from The K/S Press #4
File:Firsttime17-4.jpg|from First Time #17 (1988), for Forests of the Night
File:Firsttime17-5.jpg|from First Time #17 (1988), for Forests of the Night
File:Firsttime17-6.jpg|from First Time #17 (1988), for Forests of the Night
File:Firsttime17-7.jpg|from First Time #17 (1988), for Forests of the Night
File:Firsttime17-9.jpg|from First Time #17 (1988), for Forests of the Night
File:Firsttime18-12.jpg |from First Time #18 (1988) - "...One of the most beautiful portraits you're likely to find of an uncivilized Spock." from Datazine #57 
File:Firsttime19-3.jpg |from First Time #19 (1988)
File:First time calendar may.jpeg|from First Time #20 (1988)
File:First_time_calendar_nov.jpeg|from First Time #20 (1988)
File:Firsttime20-5.jpg|from First Time #20 (1988), for the story Velvet Deceptions
====1989====
File:Withinthemirror3-6.jpg|from Within the Mirror #3, for the story, The Eagle and the Hawk - "There's a very nice picture by Chris Soto that goes with this, of Mirror Spock and Kirk in the mirror uniform, and an eagle and a hawk, above them. Very lovely indeed." from The K/S Press #43 
File:Whalesong2.jpg|from Whalesong #2 - "The color cover by Chris Soto is a beautiful rendition of Kirk and Spock watching the whales from the sinking Bird-of-Prey of STAR TREK IV. There is another color picture by Soto of Admiral Kirk and Captain Spock in uniform but I really loved the cover." from Treklink #17 
File:Whalesong2-4.jpg|from Whalesong #2
File:Whalesong2-1.jpg|from Whalesong #2
File:Waywarrior4.jpg| from Way of the Warrior #2 (1989), reused as the cover of #4 (1991) - "This is one of the most gorgeous Sotos I've ever seen. It shows a long-haired pre-Reform Vulcan. Judging from "The Sword of Solkahr", the story it illustrates, it is apparently Spock in a previous life. The braids trailing down the front of his chest are particularly well-rendered, and the pattern of the jewels in the braids is echoed in the border design. This makes for a balanced composition. The Spock face has a haunting quality. After reading the story, I suspected this illo of representing Zu'Sar, who in "The Sword of Solkahr" is the god that embodies perfect masculine beauty. I have never seen a Spock who was closer to perfection." from The LOC Connection #7 
File:Scattered1-4.jpg|from Scattered Stars #1 (1989), for the story Satin Storm
File:Mirror2front.jpg|from Within the Mirror #2 (1989) -"Again, and this time with a more difficult angle, she's drawn a marvelous cover. Kirk is very well done and he's very difficult to do for most because of his soft features, and her long haired Spock is (sorry about my redundancy) gorgeous. An amazing talent. from The LOC Connection #9 "Chis Soto's illustrations were beautiful (but I didn't see why Kirk's ears weren't pointed, if he lived on Vulcan. The text said his tribe looked different, but it didn't mention round ears!)." from Treklink #18 This cover was the inspiration for the story The Ones from the Mountains.
File:Besidemyself1interior6.jpg |from Beside Myself #1 (1989)
====1990====
File:Thyla9-11.jpg|from T'hy'la #9 (1990)
Image:scattered2-4.jpg| from Scattered Stars #2 (1990)
Image:scattered2-5.jpg| from Scattered Stars #2 (1990)
Image:matterantimatter8.jpg|from Matter/Antimatter #8 - "Wow!" from The LOC Connection #19 
File:startrekportraits.jpg| from Portraits (1990)
Image:portraitscf.jpg|from Portraits (1990) - "The covers! I need new words. I could look at Chris Soto's work until my eyes gave out. A zine with not one word, just pictures by Chris, would have me fracturing a finger writing the check. These covers did Spock and Kirk at their best and handsomest, as I always love to think of them! The men and the covers are beautiful! Thank you, Chris!" from The LOC Connection #20 
File:Withinthemirror4front.jpg|cover of Within the Mirror #4 (1990)
File:Asidothee16front.jpg| cover of As I Do Thee #16 (1990)
File:firsttimetwentysixfront.jpg|front cover of First Time #26 (1990) - "Not only are these covers two of the best, most detailed portraits I've ever seen, but they so accurately reflect our heroes from the fifth movie. I'm amazed." from The LOC Connection #23 "...spectacular! Spock exudes stoicism from the front cover, showing the maturity and the uniform of the post-Genesis era. from The K/S Press #32 
File:firsttimetwentysixback.jpg|back cover of First Time #26 (1990) - "Again, her photographic art just makes you shake your head in wonder, how can anyone get such perfect likenesses. I've repeated my words or praise for her work until those poor words are in rags. May her drawing materials and abilities last forever!" from The LOC Connection #29 "Absolutely magnificent, especially the portrait of Kirk. She has captured the mature man just perfectly. I know nothing of line and form, shape or texture, but I know when I see a look in the eye that says Kirk, that says strength and vulnerability, and especially maturity. This is the man who has grown, and learned from his mistakes, someone who is willing to be more open than he was in the past, but still has the steel strength of will from his youth. That's what those eyes and that face say to me. This is the best older Kirk portrait I have seen, and I really envy the lucky person who has the original hanging on their wall. Interested in a trade? from The LOC Connection #30 "Here’s Captain Kirk at his very, very best! The Eisenhower style jacket that we got to see so little of just does wonderful things for him, especially in the talented hands of Chris Soto. Oh, Chris, I hope that some way you know how much your legacy means to us all. I love Kirk’s hair in this portrait. I want to touch it! And it’s so realistic I know exactly how it would feel, soft but springy, thick and just a bit unruly. Great stuff!" from The K/S Press #32 
Image:firsttime27-3.jpg|from First Time #27 (1990) #27 - "This illo of Spock sleeping on top of Kirk defines what K/S means to me. I believe it is the most heart-warming illo I've ever seen. How can words say more than their expressions do?" from The LOC Connection #26 "This picture falls into a category of art which I like to call "Pillow Pictures', I sure wish I could add this work to my collection. I've mentioned before that I know so very little about art that I feel quite awkward commenting on it. But occasionally I try if a piece is really striking. I guess I like this picture because Spock looks so much like himself. His expression is a combination of peace and intense incredulity, as if he's saying to himself, 'How is it possible for me to love so much?" The intensity of his feeling is almost painful. Kirk is thinking much the same, but he's expressing the thought in his typically more flamboyant fashion. Anyway, they're both in the grip of strong emotion, and the way they're holding on to one another reinforces that impression. I find a curious dichotomy in this picture. My first impression was 'Oh, good, another peaceful pillow picture.' (I love those, I'm just a sappy romantic at heart.) It was only upon closer examination that I saw that the peace which I expected through the setting, (the two of then in bed holding one another) was belied by the intensity of the emotions conveyed by their expressions. There is tension between the expectation and the reality, there is tension in the emotion displayed, and there is even tension in the way each of the men is experiencing their emotion alone, with eyes closed, even though they are touching intimately. I wonder if this is what the artist intended?. Chris, if you are out there reading this, why not write in and tell me how far off the mark I am? Unfortunately, some of the effect of this piece of art is lost because there is text printed on the other side of the page and it bleeds through quite obviously. I understand that there night be technical reasons for printing art in such a way, but I wish an exception could have been made for this rather exceptional artwork." from The LOC Connection #32 
====1991====
Image:wayofthewarrior4-4.jpg|from Way of the Warrior #4 (1991), for the story Romulan Woman
Image:wayofthewarrior4-5.jpg|from Way of the Warrior #4 (1991), for the story Romulan Woman
Image:wayofthewarrior4-6.jpg|from Way of the Warrior #4 (1991), for the story Romulan Woman
Image:warlords2.jpg| from Warlords - "Do you want me to live, Spock, or do you simply want me?"
Image:scattered3-2.jpg|from Scattered Stars #3 -- "This Kirk is wonderful, He looks good even though he does have clothes on. The hair is long, and the eyes wonderful. His expression is interesting, and it fits the long narrative poem/story that it goes with, "The Ballad of the Rival Lord's Son." This would make a beautiful cover, too. It has a very dark background which, I think, is unusual for Chris, and this makes the picture even more striking." from The LOC Connection #35 
File:Matterantimatter10.jpg|from Matter/Antimatter #10
File:firsttimethirtyonefront.jpg|from First Time #31 - "Finally, a return to the good ol' days where a cover actually features both Kirk and Spock! Not only are they both presented on both these covers, but they actually are depicted as two people involved in a relationship. Though the lines of the illo on the front cover are rather light, I applaud the presentation of two people in love. The back cover is my favorite, as not only are the feelings clearly there, but the expression on their faces indicate their awareness that they may have some struggles to overcome while traveling the road of happiness. This illo also has an innocence about it, and I'm not sure if that stems from their youthful faces or the simplicity of their nudity.from The LOC Connection #38 "Beautifully rendered and filled with mood, these two pieces art just great. The cover shows vary accurate profiles (no easy task mind you!) and vary atmospheric as they stand together in the ocean and the palm trees actually swaying in the breeze." from The LOC Connection #57 "The front cover is Spock and Kirk holding each other while standing in a lake or ocean. They are just looking at each other. Here I really can't imagine what they are thinking. It's a puzzling picture. That's not a criticism. I can see some good writer using this picture as inspiration, and I really want to read the story if someone does it." from The LOC Connection #38
Image:firsttime31.jpg|from First Time #31 - "The back cover is gorgeous also. Their expressions are dreamy and thoughtful and I love the positioning of the bodies. The starry background completes the mood and is perfect for these two star travelers. Two of my favorites of Soto's consistently fine work." from The LOC Connection #57 "The back cover, which I like best, shows them holding each other against a background of stars. Here, both are looking off into space obviously (to me) not seeing anything but their own thoughts or perhaps they are just enjoying the wonder of each other. The faces are great, very expressive." from The LOC Connection #38
 
 
File:Lst3.jpg|cover of LoneStar Trek #3 (1991)
 
Image:sharingart1.jpg|from Sharing the Sunlight 
 
Image:sharingart3.jpg|from Sharing the Sunlight - "Chris Soto's art (beautiful, as always) added immeasurably to my enjoyment of the novel. The wonderful illo of Kirk holding a sleeping Spock facing page 33 was my favorite. I loved the serene expression on Kirk's face." from The LOC Connection #45 
Image:sharingart4.jpg|from Sharing the Sunlight 
Image:sharingart5.jpg|from Sharing the Sunlight 
Image:sharingart6.jpg|from Sharing the Sunlight 
Image:sharingart7.jpg|from Sharing the Sunlight 
 
====1992====
File:mindmeld7frontispiece.jpg|from Mind Meld #7 (1992)
File:Asidothee19inside.jpg |from As I Do Thee #19 (1992), also used as the front cover of As I Do Thee #16
File:Amazing2-6.jpg|from Amazing Grace #2 (1992), for the story Transposed Images
File:scatteredstars4front.jpg|from Scattered Stars #4 (1992) - "This Pre-Reform Spock wearing only a loincloth looks so life-like because the anatomy is authentic. He looks like a real man in good physical condition. I'm wondering if Chris worked from a live model when she did this illustration. from Come Together #7 " "These covers are great. Spock and Kirk are both long haired warriors wearing loincloths (nice droopy ones). I never get tired of her long haired Kirks. On page 150, are Spock's and Kirk's faces. Again, these are lovely, BUT they are rather lightly drawn. If the back of the page had print, I think it would have been hard to see the drawing. I envy the lucky lady who ends up with these originals." from The LOC Connection #51 
Image:scattered4.jpg|from Scattered Stars #4 (1992) -- This zine is worth having just for the back cover of an AU warrior Kirk with long hair, muscles, and wearing only arm and wrist bands and a loincloth. (A very teeny loincloth I might add.) Yikes!!! I took it out of the envelope and almost fainted dead away when I saw it. OMG he is just absolutely, devastatingly astoundingly stunningly beautifully gorgeously amazingly PERFECT in this cover!!! (Breathe, Linda. Deep breaths. In, out, in, out. Calming down here.... OK, I'm fine now.) Sheesh, I can't stop looking at this cover. It is my perfect fantasy Kirk body. (The face ain't bad, either, but I must confess I haven't been looking at it much!) Chris Soto sure outdid herself on this one. And for Spock fans, the front cover is a long haired AU warrior Spock, also with arm and wrist bands and a loincloth. Very, very, nice. But the Kirk cover...sigh. from The K/S Press #71 
 
====1993====
File:Scattered5-4.jpg|from Scattered Stars #5 (1993)
File:Mirror7cover.jpg|from Within the Mirror #7 (1993)
File:Withinthemirror7back.jpg|from Within the Mirror #7 (1993)
File:Firsttime37-1.jpg|from First Time #35 
====1994====
File:FIRST TIME 38.jpg|from First Time #38 -- "He is handsome, mysterious, alien, strong. He is just Spock. What a wonderful portrait -- one of the best I've ever seen!" from Come Together #7 "Very beautiful Spock. So quiet and strong. Perfect pace, Striking pose. Excellent light-and-darkness. Something about it invites me to get lost in contemplation." from Come Together #3 "An absolutely lovely rendition of Spock sitting pensively, long fingers steepled characteristically in front of him. Such an intriguing, serious face as he looks off into the distance. The use of dark shadow and background contrasted against the light face is superbly done- This is filled with emotion, seemingly quiet and serene, but one senses the fire underneath! A stunning use of black and white and probably one of my favorites of Chris Soto's work. I say probably because there's so much to choose from.from Come Together #5 Another fan wrote in in her Shore Leave convention report that when she met Chris Soto she embraced "her so enthusiastically that we almost fell over. Then, buying at auction a print of her Spock from the cover of FT 38. This is my second favorite piece of Soto art. The first being the original."Shore Leave 1994 con report from Come Together #8
File:firsttime38complete.jpg|from First Time #38 -- "Typically wonderful Chris Soto covers. The delicate touch is so immediately recognizable that the artist hardly needs to sign her name at this point. The back cover of Kirk reclining was perfect. The intent expression and well-done body proportions on our captain had my fingers itching to pull away that concealing sheet. On second thought, I'll leave that job to a certain Vulcan. But the front cover was my favorite... Spock's face, chest, arms, and long, eloquent hands are bathed in light while the black of the background fades into the black robe he is wearing. Use of light and dark are extraordinary. Stark and yet soft as the man himself.from Come Together #13 (1994)
File:scattered6back.jpg|back cover of Scattered Stars #6 (1994) - "Kirk's face on the back cover is perfect and it's a great pose with the bow. Excellent depiction of his hair and I love the arm band. Nice eyes." from Come Together #10 
File:scattered6.jpg|cover of Scattered Stars #6 (1994) -- "Beautiful and delicate Spock on cover, complete with long hair, earring, necklace and Vulcan weapon. Again, Chris captures Spock's ethereal, far-away look." from Come Together #10 
File:Whereangelsfrear.jpg|cover of Where Angels Fear (1994)
====1995====
File:firsttime43front.jpg|from First Time #43 - "[I] can't fail to mention the front cover. The realization of Admiral Kirk's face is perfection. Maybe this is my favorite. After all, look at Spock's slightly downcast eyes. And the lovely rendition of the antique sextant. Chris Soto's artwork is a gift to us." from Come Together #27
File:firsttime43back.jpg|from First Time #43 - "I just adore this gorgeous drawing of Kirk and Spock in those first few precious moments after making love. So many details to rivet the eye: Spock's band resting possessively on Kirk's back. Kirk's arm thrown over Spock's hip, the lovely way their heads are pillowed on each other's thighs, and the absolute perfection of one stubborn curl of Kirk's hair on Spock's belly. So realistic that I can almost see their chests move with their quiet breaths and fed their soul-deep satisfaction." from Come Together #28
File:firsttime43-1.jpg|from First Time #43 - for "Storyteller" -- "So many beautiful pieces in this zine from this extraordinary artist to comment on. First of all, the seductive Kirk in blue jeans on page 44. With that "come-hither" look, my heart just melts (or is that race?). Great pose, perfectly done with grace and style." from Come Together #11
File:firsttime43-3.jpg|from First Time #43, for "Words" -- "Then there's the beauty on page 82. Spock looking out, filled with the purity of innocence and Kirk giving him one of "those" looks. I adore this piece. Soto creates such a mood with the most delicate of touches.from Come Together #28
File:Scattered7-4.jpg|from Scattered Stars #7 - "Chris Soto has done her usual fine job with a partial body of Spock (pg 139) in a loin cloth with pubic hair straying outside..." from Come Together #20 "...a 3/4 view, complete with armband and small, (very small) scrap of fabric to hide the genitals. Bodily proportions are perfect. I also like the way Spock's head is turned to the side, and the sense of movement." from Come Together #25 "...the one with the flowing black hair and the tight pouch, is absolutely to die for. It is just gorgeous. It has energy, good use of light and shadow and it's already sold. No wonder." from Come Together #18 
Image:promisestokeep3.jpg| from Promises to Keep (1995)
Image:promisestokeep6.jpg| from Promises to Keep (1990)
 File:firsttime42-6.jpg|from First Time #42, titled The Diver for the story of the same name, The Diver, features a long-haired Spock -- "Oh! Long, lean, graceful, strong, naked long-haired Spock. No bangs—beautiful forehead; teasing hint of penis. Gorgeous light and shadow. Exquisite." from Come Together #20 "A simply beautiful rendition of an unclothed warrior Spock, complete with long hair and spear. Took my breath away, expert use of light and dark. I particularly like how the leather thongs on the spear echo the gentle curves of Spock's hair, I can almost feel the wind." from Come Together #21
Image:firsttime41-2.jpg|from First Time #41
Image:firsttime41-5.jpg|from First Time #41 
====1996====
File:Beside4interior.jpg|from Beside Myself #4 (1996), titled Vampire Eyes, for the story Shall We Dance - "Chris Soto drew an elegant Spock in cape and tuxedo (one of my favorite things). His expression is noble yet there's an openness to it. Of course I imagine he's looking at Kirk from across the room." "Chris Soto drew an elegant Spock in cape and tuxedo (one of my favorite things). His expression is noble yet there's an openness to it. Of course I imagine he's looking at Kirk from across the room." from Come Together #32 "Knowing the titles enhances the experience of the artwork for me. It's the same with a title of a story — it helps to focus what the author or artist's intention is in the writing or drawing. This gorgeous piece shows a beautiful and elegant (as only Soto can do) Spock with a clear direct gaze right out at you. Every time I look at it, he's looking right at me. This drawing is beautifully rendered and I adore the detail of the cape, the clasp and the white shirt." from The K/S Press #5 
File:scattered8.jpg|from Scattered Stars #8 (1996), titled Prometheus - "Warrior Spock on the front... Beautifully proportioned. Not overly muscled. It looks almost as if the artist has captured them in the act of moving. Spock with a torch is lithe and graceful, long black hair blowing gently in the breeze..." from The K/S Press #2 "Strong and commanding, warrior Spock looks out into the distance holding a flaming torch and wearing nothing but a loin cloth. I love how the torch side is light and the other side is in shadow. What a wonderful subtle detail that makes this drawing so beautiful. Definitely one of my favorites." from The K/S Press #5 
File:scattered8back.jpg|from Scattered Stars #8 (1996), titled Hold Back the Night - "...the Kirk on the back cover just took my breath away. Perhaps he is reaching for Spock or perhaps the stars. The face is done perfectly." from The K/S Press #2 
Image:scattered8-2.jpg|from Scattered Stars #8 (1996), titled Portrait of a Warrior - "Moody, delicate rendition of Spock as a long-haired warrior looking out pensively with that mysterious slight smile of his. Soto has once again captured that wonderful enigmatic beauty of the Vulcan with deft strokes and subtle light and shadow. I think this is gorgeous." from The K/S Press #1 
Image:scattered8-3.jpg|from Scattered Stars #8 (1996), titled Savage Innocence - "The drawing on page 111 is gorgeous, and not just because it was done to illustrate my story. It must be extremely difficult for an artist to conjure up an illustration from just a page or two of description and hope to match what the writer had in mind. Ms. Soto does it consistently and adroitly every time. This Spock is long, lean, burnished by the suns of his homeworld, delightfully sexy and crowned with a braid of long black hair. As we used to say in the sixties, “It rings my chimes.” What more can I say? Nothing, except that we’re so lucky to have this artist in our fandom." from The K/S Press #2 
File:Beyonddreams3-1.jpg|from Beyond Dreams #3 -- Art created in 1996, published in 2001. "By far, the best piece of art—in my opinion — in all of BEYOND DREAMS 3 is the frontispiece by Chris Soto, a delicate pencil. Boy, do I miss her. She was, and still is, one of my top five artists in K/S. This is another alternate universe long-haired Kirk and Spock, basically just their faces. Oh, this is a lovely picture, and both men are gorgeous. Kirk looks at the viewer as does Spock who is resting his head on Kirk's bare chest. Somehow, Chris always managed to make the eyes sparkle and come alive, and this picture is no different." from The K/S Press #65
Image:mirror11.jpg| from Within the Mirror #11 -- "This is so great—it's so unusual to see mirror Spock portrayed and portrayed so well! I love the perfect stipple technique that Chris does so beautifully. And I love Kirk's position with his arms up and around Spock." from The K/S Press #6 
Image:mirror11back.jpg|from Within the Mirror #11 -- "Oh, boy, oh, boy! to borrow one of my publishing partner's favorite phrases. What a picture. Even though the mirror guys don't stir my blood like the real universe Jim and Spock do, I'd have to be a stone not to respond to this picture. Mirror Spock is kneeling before mirror Kirk, his head turned to the side and pressed against Kirk's chest, his eyes closed. Kirk is standing, his upper torso curved over Spock as if in protection, or perhaps adoration. It's a very quiet moment. The fingers of his right hand can just be seen delicately touching the back of Spock's neck. Lots of wonderful feeling in this one. I think the technique used here is stipple, which is using very small dots throughout. Except for the beard and hair, that's what Chris did here, and I'm amazed. To be able to convey so much just from the careful placement of dots. My only complaint would be that Spock's upper right arm is too massive. But Kirk's musculature appears to be just right. I've tried to blot out the beard with my fingers, and I like the picture even better that way. Chris, what do you say to an eraser..." from The K/S Press #6 "Just beautiful. The expression of love between Spock and Kirk was perfect. I don't care if its 'mirror' or not, the care and concern they have for each other just radiates off this drawing. When I first looked at it I thought of yin and yang. The dark and light curved gently around each other, contrast and unity in the same symbol. How I would love to own this picture." from The K/S Press #7 (1997) "When I first saw this cover drawing of a presumably kneeling Mirror Spock and standing Mirror Kirk I sucked in my breath in an audible gasp. This is just incredibly beautiful! It’s hard to find words to express the feelings the artist managed to invoke in me by this piece. It has something to do with the gentle curve of Kirk’s back as he leans forward protectively over his lover. Maybe it’s in the soft smile on his face or the way his fingers touch so lightly on the back of Spock’s neck. Or especially in the way Spock’s eyes are closed in awe and love. To convey such a wealth of feeling in mere lines on a sheet of paper is a rare gift. A gift we’re very lucky to be able to share. You really got to me with this one, Chris. Thank you." from The K/S Press #7 (1997) 
 File:First time 45 cover.jpg|from First Time #45 
 
File:First time 45 back.jpg|thumb|back cover of issue #45, Soto & Stanis, 1st edition -- "I hope to know the title of this piece before the Philon awards because I happen to think it's totally gorgeous! I find it beautifully drawn, Kirk's face is particularly nice, and Spock resting on his hip is too delightful. I love its playful quality-we know that a position like that might not be possible—but that's the very thing I love about this drawing. It's so unusual and I get the feeling Kirk is almost floating. I think this back cover of Chris' is one of my favorites. Kathy Stanis is one of our wonderfully talented writers, but here she shines as a wonderfully talented artist, as well. Such a softly drawn Spock. photographic in quality, but not in emotion. I feel I can read that serious, thoughtful expression on his face! The technique is impeccable. I want to see more art from her. Please!" from The K/S Press #6 "I hope to know the title of this piece before the Philon awards because I happen to think it's totally gorgeous! I find it beautifully drawn, Kirk's face is particularly nice, and Spock resting on his hip is too delightful. I love its playful quality – we know that a position like that might not be possible—but that's the very thing I love about this drawing. It's so unusual and I get the feeling Kirk is almost floating. I think this back cover of Chris' is one of my favorites." from The K/S Press #5 
====1997====
File:Star trek firstime46 int by chris soto.jpg| from First Time #46, Chris Soto - "So fine. An about-to-be kiss frozen in time. A promise not yet kept. The faces are perfect. Not like a photograph. Better than a photograph. Kirk's especially holds more feeling that a camera can usually manage to show. Certainly a vision on which to expend long moments absorbing the love and devotion and daydreaming to your heart's content." from The K/S Press #10 
File:Scatteredstars9-2.jpg|from Scattered Stars #9 (1997) - "A wistful Kirk – especially an older wistful Kirk – inspires my imagination. Chris Soto has captured the most sad, innocent expression here. One can tell the era by Kirk’s white uniform shirt and the curlier, darker hair he wore after TMP. So what he’s thinking is open to speculation, but most certainly centers around Spock. He just doesn’t look that particular way unless Spock is involved. I don’t know if this was drawn to accompany the story with which it appears, but it fits nicely. As mentioned in my review, “Portrait of Promise” tells the story of a Spock and Kirk who have never met. It is after Kirk learns of Spock’s death that he is hypnotized by a portrait of the Vulcan, somehow knowing he’s lost something that could have changed his life forever. It’s just such a poignant look that Kirk wears in this pencil drawing. He could well be staring at the portrait of a love he knows he will never experience. Chris Soto had an amazing sensitivity for capturing our fellows innermost feelings, and this one is just beautiful." from The K/S Press #130 
File:Scatteredstars9-3.jpg|from Scattered Stars #9 (1997)
===Darkover===
Soto began her fan art contributions in the Darkover fandom in early 1984.
File:Cottman6back.jpg|from Contes di Cottman IV #6 (1984), which published her first fan art: "A new artist is Christine Soto who lives in the Los Angeles area. She offered to do art and works fast—that's always a blessing.... I'm sure her art will soon be seen in a lot of places." from the editor of Contes di Cottman IV #6 (June 1984) 
File:cottman6-6.jpg|from Contes di Cottman IV #6 (1984), "Chris Soto's illos are a bit bare, but smooth and well-chosen (as to which emotions and scenes to depict)." from Datazine #33 
File:Moonphases7art1.jpg|from Moon Phases #7 (1985)
File:Jum8mysfront.jpg|from Jumeaux #8 (1985)
File:Dicottman7back.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #7 (1985)
File:Dicottman7-1.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #7 (1985)
File:Dicottman7-1soto.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #7 (1985)
File:Moonphases8inside1.jpg|from Moon Phases #8 (1986)
File:Contes8.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #8 (1986)
File:Contes9art3.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #9 (1986)
File:Contes9art5.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #9 (1986)
File:Contes9art3soto.jpg| from Contes di Cottman IV #9 (1986)
File:Moonphases9art4.jpg|from Moon Phases #9 (1987)
File:Contes11back.jpg|from Contes di Cottman IV #11 (1987)
Image:moonphases11back.jpg|from Moon Phases #11 (1989), portrays Regis/Danilo - "Excellent. I especially enjoyed the inset of the four moons (or is that just one moon through four phases?) Anyway, it's great, and I wish I could draw that well." 
File:Moonphases11inside3.jpg|from Moon Phases #11 (1989) - "'On the Edge of Hali Plain' by Pat Mathews was enjoyable to me (as was the Chris Soto illo), but mostly because I was familiar with the song The Horse-Tamer's Daughter." from an LoC in Moon Phases #13 
File:Moonphases12.jpg|from Moon Phases #12 (1991) -- this zine was a single novel called "Masks" by Jean Lamb, a story that was very controversial. See: Marion Zimmer Bradley Fanfiction Controversy.
Image:masks-5.jpg|from Moon Phases #12 (1991)
===Sime~Gen===
File:Ciz9front.jpg|from A Companion in Zeor #9 (1987)
File:Ambrov14soto-1.jpg|from Ambrov Zeor! #14 (1987)
File:Ambrov14soto-2.jpg|from Ambrov Zeor! #14 (1987)
File:Ambrov14soto-3.jpg|from Ambrov Zeor! #14 (1987)
File:Ambrov14soto-4.jpg|from Ambrov Zeor! #14 (1987)
===Starsky & Hutch===
File:Fix3art3.jpg|from The Fix #3 (1988), her first piece of published Starsky & Hutch art
File:Distantart1.jpg|from Distant Shores (1991) 
File:Distantart1soto-3.jpg|from Distant Shores (1991) 
File:Playfellows9-1.jpg|from Playfellows #9 (1996)
File:Playfellows9-2.jpg|from Playfellows #9 (1996)
===Other===
Image:tightbeam138.jpg|detail from a page in Tightbeam #138 (1985)
File:Comlink23.jpg|"Evolution of a Jedi", from Comlink #23 (1985)
File:Prisonersofthenight1-2.jpg | from Prisoners of the Night #1 (1987)
 
File:Beforeandafter7.jpg|portrays Kerr Avon, from Before & After (1989) 
 
==The Chris Soto Memorial Fund==
In 1998, a special section for The K/S Library was created: 
==Fans Remember Chris==
Chris Soto passed away in May 1997 of cancer.
==References==
Category:1997 Deaths
Category:Deceased
Category:Fanartists
Category:Vidders
Category:Fanwriters