We’re excited to introduce you to British Columbia abstract artist Deb Chaney. Deb is a contemporary abstract artist based specifically in Gabriola Island, BC. We hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as we did.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Spiritually Inspired Contemporary Modern Textured Layered Abstract Mixed Media Paintings
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
My inner spiritual journey.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
To feel good.
What’s your favourite thing about being an abstract artist?
With the creation of every painting it has its own challenges – figuring out the balance, the integration of the layers, getting to its state of completion. This process inspires me, teaches me, and has kept my attention for the past 20+ years!
Why abstract art and not other mediums? Have you always created abstract art or did you start out creating other styles?
I’ve always been an abstract mixed media artist since I started painting. It continues to excite me, challenge me, and the process enthrals me … I just don’t want to do anything else at the moment!
If you could describe your art in three words, what would they be?
layered – textured – spiritual
What’s one thing people might not know about you and/or your art journey so far?
I still often go through an experience of a wavering in confidence in myself where I struggle, doubt and fear arise during the process of a painting when its mid-way through. To move through and complete, I use many of my personal growth tools such as my fav anchoring song, pre-recorded self-kindness and inner-child affirmations, and tips from ‘the war of art’ (steven pressfield) – mainly just showing up even if I am scared or “don’t feel like it”.
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
No, I didn’t always know I’d be an artist… Growing up, because of what I was told, I believed that it was impossible to be a professional artist. I put all my creative thoughts and endeavours aside and got a B.Sc. in Earth and Ocean Sciences… Near the end of my degree I read a SARK book ‘Wild Succulent Women’ and knew that if she could do it – be an artist – so could I. I wrote to her and received a hand-written letter in response. I feel it was an omen of support. My journey had begun. That was about 25 years ago…
In your opinion, what’s the most important personal characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
Belief in yourself and the possibility that you can succeed at what you dream to do.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
To start, you must believe in yourself and the possibility of your own success – in whatever terms you define it. (write it down, clearly). Then, listen ONLY to the kind, positive, and affirmative voices within your head and to those around you ONLY who support you and your dreams.
Do you have any favourite podcasts or books that you love and that have contributed to your journey as an artist?
I love Tim Ferries, Oprah, Brenee Brown, Abraham Hicks, Eckart Tolle, Joe Dispenza, Tony Robbins, Danielle Laporte, Martha Beck, Christine Northrup.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
This moment now, writing the answers to this wonderful interview… Knowing there are paintings in process in the studio that I get to work on. Looking out my kitchen window and seeing the forest. Hearing the rain fall on the roof and tree leaves. Feeling inspired, supported and connected. I am deeply grateful to be an artist for my work.
Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?
I see myself in my newly build high-ceiling studio with great lighting, water, and heat, creating large scale (48″ x 72″ x 1.5″) mixed media abstract Drishti Paintings (TM) which embody the frequency and vibration of well-being. I see these painting contributing wellness world wide, in particular mental well-being, and doing so in both exhibited spaces such as museums, galleries and biennials. I see these paintings selling to appreciative spiritually-minded and conscious art collectors all over the world.
What do you love most about abstract art?
That you feel good looking at it, that you can always find something new, that in focussing upon it you lose yourself and forget anything that may be troubling you and how abstract art brings you into a journey that you can narrate and make-up as you wish.
Do you have any favourite quotes?
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” – Andy Warhol
Thanks for taking the time to get to know British Columbia abstract artist Deb Chaney a little more. To see more of her work, visit her website here.
To discover more Canadian abstract artists, click here.
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