Gilded Cage XII by Criss Chaney in Berwick

Criss Chaney is an American painter living in Melbourne. As a child she spent her weekends touring the sun-soaked galleries of Laguna Beach, immersed in the world of art alongside her mother, nurturing a deep-seated passion for creative expression. Originally trained as a glass artist in the UK she changed mediums and became a painter after spending 7 years travelling the world. Her wanderlust led her to diverse corners of the world, enriching her artistic sensibilities and fostering a profound connection with the human experience. As an international artist, she has exhibited in Australia, USA, and the UK, including a solo show in Austria. Criss Chaney's art transcends borders, weaving together threads of introspection and universal resonance. Her paintings serve as intimate reflections of her innermost thoughts and emotions, often incorporating pages from her personal journal to imbue each piece with layers of authenticity and depth. Drawing inspiration from the bustling city streets and the indelible imprints humans leave upon the world, Criss's work navigates the complexities of existence with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. When asked about her work Criss says: “My paintings are a reflection of my restless nature and the unfolding path of my life. They are multi-layered, inspired by city streets and aged buildings, they mirror the complexity of the human experience. I often include collage elements from my journals, quietly weaving them in for you to discover. Inside every woman is a part that can never be tamed, and secret thirst that needs to be quenched. I invite you to break free of the routine of your life, look deep into your inner self, and hear your soul calling.” Her paintings ask us to take a moment out of our busy lives to reflect on what we truly desire, think and feel, and to know thyself so we can show up in the world with unapologetic authenticity. Criss Chaney's process involves building up her paintings in many layers. She constructs a visual tapestry that invites viewers to delve beneath the surface and uncover hidden details and new intricacies. We can just about make out these layers as we look through her figures, to see what's going on beneath the surface. Criss works in a wide range of media, from cyanotype, acrylics, and inks to oil paints, pastels and gold leaf. She responds dynamically to the unique demands of each painting, allowing her intuition to guide the creative process, making it so that, much like life, she can never fully predict the outcome. The result is a body of work that resonates with a palpable sense of vitality and dynamism. Criss currently paints in her Richmond studio, continuously refining her techniques and experimenting with the interplay of layers. Beyond her studio walls, Criss finds solace amidst the majesty of the mountains, where she indulges her adventurous spirit through mountain biking and snowboarding. Criss remains steadfast in her commitment to her artistic evolution and community empowerment, with plans to expand her offering to include mural work and art classes. If you're interested in a custom painting, mural, or art tutoring, please get in touch!