Meet Trailblazer Alanah Chatham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alanah Chatham.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Alanah. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Growing up, my best friend in elementary school would draw, and she was so good at it that I wanted to learn to draw myself. I started with simple sketches, self-taught and taking art classes in school. As I got older (and better), my uncle inspired me to find my own style and encouraged me to use art to work through emotions, problems and calm my mind. I’m so grateful to my teachers at New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe, AZ where I attended high school. Having that opportunity allowed me to grow more as an artist, introduced me to new mediums and helped me to realize my potential as an artist.

Alright – so let’s talk business and tell us about your work – what should we know?
I see inspiration in everything, but mostly animals and nature. I enjoy capturing what is happening in nature on canvas, creating animals with clay and sketching landscapes. It is hard for me to say what my favorite medium is, as I am still learning what I like. Since I am most skilled with graphite, I often find myself sitting outside with my sketchbook and just drawing what I see.

I think most artists can appreciate that finding one specific style can be challenging. One week I am obsessed with painting anything and everything and the next week I’ll be hyper-focused on sculpting. I usually listen to my heart and create based on what I am feeling that day, what my mood might be, or wanting the challenge of learning something new. I am enjoying finding my style as I continue to produce work.

My favorite piece is unfinished. It is a larger piece, and I have been working on it off and on for about nine years. It is a recreation of Salvador Dali’s ‘The Anthropomorphic Cabinet’ from 1936, After seeing a sketch that my uncle had drawn of Dali’s piece, I was inspired to paint it in oils. What makes this piece unique is that it is painted on a coffin shaped panel that is quite heavy. The reason it is unfinished is due to the fact that I constantly am adding to it, moving in a different direction, touching something up, etc. I have a feeling this will be a work in progress for another nine years.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by the arts. I believe Arizona is a great place to live if you want to be an artist. There are lots of programs and classes that you can attend statewide.

Contact Info:

• Email: alanah0621@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanah.chatham

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