Chandra Chaney

Before I knew anything about artistic styles or techniques, I simply loved to draw. As a child, boredom often ended with a pencil in my hand and an idea on paper. My father noticed that love and encouraged me to take drawing classes in high school. Art has been part of my life ever since.

Years later, after retiring from military service, art found me in a different way. During a period of grief and depression, my psychologist encouraged me to try painting. I did—and discovered something I hadn't expected. Painting gave me quiet. It allowed everything else to disappear for a while so I could focus, create, and breathe.

Today, I create paintings and drawings ranging from abstracts to animals and people. Sometimes I create simply because something inspires me; other times, I want the work to carry an emotion. Either way, every piece contains a little of me. If my art makes you curious about the person behind it, then I've shared more than an image—I've shared part of my story.