Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Chatman.
Candace, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Two years ago after we painted the interior of our house, I realized the artwork pieces did not fit the new style was going for. At the same time, I couldn’t justify spending money on new art and the framing too. As I looked around for new artwork, I found myself thinking “I can do that” and save money! At home I didn’t even take the old artwork out of the frames – I taped off the frame and painted right over the old canvas to make my very 1st abstract paintings! Once my work was complete, I presented the two paintings to my husband (holding my breath since he had been out of town) who loved them. I then sent pictures to a few family members who complimented me, but they had to because that’s what family does. It took some time to gather the confidence to show my girlfriends, who love to decorate, what I had accomplished but to my surprise they too were impressed. I cried tears of joy. The paintings are still hanging in my house.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This creative journey began when I was nearing my 50th birthday. With that came a newfound strength and feeling of self-worth, which I believe helped me face the fear and vulnerability that comes with being an artist.
My process is intuitive. Being a self-taught artist with no formal artistic education means that for me there are no rules to follow. I learned on my own how to push through my doubts. I know now that with courage, determination and happiness, I am able to share my passion and produce a spectacular work of art from my heart.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I have always been drawn to things that are “different.” From decorating ideas to clothing to accessories, I love to mix it up so that what I’m wearing or my home doesn’t look like something everyone has seen before. I relish the idea that my style is eclectic—that I’m eclectic! Hence my business name–Eclections by Candace. The name Eclections evolved from combining the words Eclectic and Collections.
At Eclections by Candace, I create statement art by combining pigments, acrylics, alcohol inks and mixed media with resin. The final product draws the viewer in. It is mesmerizing how the light plays off of the canvas, highlighting the multiple layers of glass-like resin. When painting I get lost in the magic, the variation of textures, the layers of depth, the dramatic veining. Even the mess I make is inspiration!
My focus in 2020 is to collaborate with interior decorators, designers and individual collectors by integrating my work to enhance their well-designed space.
What were you like growing up?
Looking back, I never thought of myself as an artist, but I definitely was creative and always had a playful imagination. During my middle school summers, I would spend afternoons at a local independent craft store creating ceramic items and floral arrangements, assisting other customers with questions or even sweeping the floors for the owners until my mom picked me up after work. Since then, I’ve always loved to make decorative items and floral arrangements for the house and would jump at the chance to help my kids with crafting projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eclectionsbycandace.com Coming Soon!
- Phone: 214-995-2075
- Email: eclectionsbycandace@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Stephanie Smith
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