Mike Chuney
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the conceptual and contextual nature of art—both in creating and experiencing it. Even as a child, I explored themes and stories without fully realizing it. I am captivated by process—drawn to early drafts, unfinished marks, and the glimpses of evolution that often say as much as the final piece itself.
Art, for me, is fluid. I move between painting, drawing, photography, filmmaking, and mixed media, not as separate disciplines, but as interconnected parts of a whole. I borrow, reinterpret, and weave elements together, embracing the idea that creativity thrives in exploration. Very early in my artistic journey, I came to understand that the process is the product. Art isn’t just about the finished piece—it’s about the journey of making, experimenting, and discovering along the way. That philosophy has shaped my approach ever since, keeping me engaged in the evolution of an idea rather than just its outcome.
My background in teaching has shaped not only my ability to communicate ideas but also my approach to making art. Listening, adapting, problem-solving—all essential in the classroom—are equally vital in the studio. I believe true artistic growth comes from pushing past limitations, questioning rules, and embracing risk. Some might call it artistic foolishness; I see it as creative bravery—the willingness to pursue an idea beyond the point where it seems impossible. Because that’s where innovation happens.
Above all, I want my work to invite others to engage—visually, conceptually, and emotionally. I challenge the viewer to make connections, to see relationships between mediums, and to consider the interplay between intention and interpretation. The process never really ends, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
William Martin