Why I Paint
As an oil painter, my canvas becomes a realm where the untamed spirit of wild cats and the depth of human emotion converge. Rooted in a background of philosophical inquiry, my art seeks to provoke contemplation and connection.
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In each stroke, I endeavor to capture the essence of these majestic creatures, but more importantly, to draw the viewer into a moment of vulnerability. Through the piercing gaze of my subjects, I invite the audience to confront their own empathy, to pause, to stare, and ultimately, to care.
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My work extends beyond the realm of wildlife portraiture. I delve into the human experience, exploring existential questions through series of portraits. From the melancholy of sailors grappling with the vastness of existence to the resilience of cowgirls and adelitas asserting their strength in a patriarchal world, each piece delves into the complexities of the human condition.
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Beyond mere aesthetics, my art carries a purpose. With every sale of a print, I contribute to wildlife organizations such as Panthera, striving to protect the very subjects that inspire my work. Through this symbiotic relationship between art and activism, I aim to not only captivate the viewer but also to ignite a sense of responsibility towards our natural world.
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In essence, my paintings serve as a bridge between the wild and the human, between contemplation and action. They are invitations to pause, reflect, and ultimately, to make a difference.
Expertise
Oil Portraits, WildCat Paintings, Murals, Sculpture, and Philosophical Thought.
Experience
2023
Friend or Foe
Tiger and Leopard Mural
LoDo Studios: 216 E Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2023
GUSD MCMural
I composited all the students' design concepts for this mural.
McDonalds :146 S Fairview Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
2013-2024
Art Teacher
For over 10 years I have been teaching Art in Private and Public Studios.
ArtisticHorizonsAtelier.com
2018-2020
Student of Philosophy
When I came across this discipline, I couldn't get enough of it. I committed all my time to reading and writing all things philosophy.
It started with taking a logic course for fun. I was a natural and switch my major from linguistics to Philosophy. I enjoyed it so much, I even became the TA and Tutor for the Logic courses. I then dove into the philosophy of law and took any law course I could find.
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After graduating and getting my paralegal license, covid hit and life was on pause. During this time of reflection, I was hit with epiphany that I should use my art gift to continue teaching and bring joy through art by showing learners how to express themselves visually.
1998-2024
Artist
I "failed" Kindergarten when I painted my apples pink because "I wanted to". If I was graded on my Pokemon drawings, I'm sure I wouldn't have been held back.
Though now, I do not see this as a failure, rather an important lesson that we should let a child's voice sing in their tone, as opposed to the tone we see as ideal. Anytime a student said, "Ms. Chadwick, can I paint, the background green with blue dots or could I put a mustache and top hat on my duck?", I always said "Absolutely, no need to ask as you know I will always say yes!"
1993-2024
Student of Life
I look forward to trying new approaches to art and to life. I don't fear being wrong, as it means I am in the process o learning something complete new.
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This is something I always tell my student when they are in doubt of the mark they are about to make. "We are not masters, we are learner. When we have a high risk tolerance with our creativity, the gain will be just as high , if not higher. Perhaps your work will touch and inspire someone in a way that elevates their life. Don't let the risk of feeling like a failure hold you back from the potential of changing someone else's outlook and perhaps even yours."