Inside the Artist’s Studio with Chancer Reese

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There used to be a television show called Inside the Actors Studio, where actors were asked questions like “What is your favorite color?”, “What turns you on?”, “What is your favorite curse word?”, etc. Those questions were designed to show the audience the real person behind the actor’s public persona.

Well, I wanted to help visitors to this website see the real Chancer Reese – the woman behind the artwork. And no, I won’t tell you what my favorite curse word is!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an explorer like Jacque Cousteau or some kind of scientist. I took all the science classes I could in school but I quickly learned that scientists have to pass MATH in college. So unfair! 

When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?

Like my Mom, I have always “cobbled things together” all my life. Need a book shelf? Grab some lumber and make it. But when I made my first metal piece I was hooked… I love using my creativity to turn a box of nails and scrap metal into something cool.

 

How long does it take you to create one of your pieces?

I normally take 1 to 3 hours. It depends on if I’m working  on a new design or trying to improve a technique. 

What is your schedule like when you are working?

I work on my metal work mostly at night since I do website work for small businesses during the day.

What would you say is your interesting quirk while working?

They say talking to plants helps them do better. So I talk to the pieces I’m working on…”Ahh, come on now, don’t twist that way! Stop it!”  Hmmm… okay, I’m really talking to the cat?

 

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Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your artwork?

Everywhere! I have always liked patterns, shapes, and angles. So my work to me is “seeing” the geometric shape of something and then trying recreate it with metal.

What do you like to do when you are not working on your art?

Read books or watch films.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your art?

That I could do it! I started my journey in metalwork just trying to make some handmade Christmas gifts. And now I doing all this cool stuff…

How many pieces do you think you have created?

I don’t know. I never really counted. Plus I will often desolder and resolder a piece over and over until I get something decent. I have one single piece, that I know I redid at least 5 times!

Which pieces are your favorites?

The ones that are really, really good.

How do you decide on which ideas to develop?

Size. Currently I work in a corner in my house. So space is always a BIG issue. 

Do you hear from your fans? What kinds of things do they say?

People say that they like the fact that my metalwork is both functional and fun.

What do you think makes good art?

Skill.  Along with a good imagination and a little bit of LOVE.  A piece of art should cause people to have a response – preferably a good one!