Chanda McKeaver

9 Seaview Street

My first experience as an artist was when I was a little girl hiding in my blanket tent with my color crayons and making clothes for my barbies. My influences were everything around me! My parents were both very creative as are most of my siblings in their own ways. At the age of 9 I started making jewelry while volunteering at woodland park zoo. I would use beads and peacock feathers to make my creations. Then in my teens, my best friend and I would doodle for hours on anything from pee gees to paper bags. No matter the job I was working, I would always find some way to incorporate artwork into my life. After ten years in the military and too many other jobs to list, I realized that I wanted to pursue my art on a more full-time basis. I am self-taught and continue to grow my skills by watching online tutorials and painting with friends. I believe one is born with a desire t be an artist and that all one needs to do is practice. I work primarily in acrylics and sometimes with other mediums mixed in as well. I currently work in my home studio here on Orcas Island. My desire is to continue enjoying what I do and to share it with as many people as possible. In hopes others will enjoy my art as well.