Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantal Wnuk.
Chantal, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in Houston, TX and raised there by my father who is an artist, avid people-watcher, and professor. It’s the cliché answer, but making things has been my primary interest for as long as I can remember. Artwork never felt easy, but it did always feel like the obvious and unavoidable direction I was going.
I received my BFA in Studio Art at the University of Texas, which had a great and supportive community, but I tenderly call Austin the “velvet rut.” I was comfortable making art and swimming in rivers, but not really progressing in any direction. On a fluke, I had the opportunity to live in San Diego rent-free for six months, and five years later, here I am.
Moving to California without knowing even one person exposed core themes of my personality…and my work. Besides adopting a Semi-SoCal color palette, I became aware of how I constantly look at the way people interact with each other and hyper-aware of how easy it is to feel lonely when surrounded by people. I think all three of these things can be seen as power and weakness.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make paintings and sculptures about living by the ocean, people being close to each other (or not) and being in love (I guess).
I explore the vulnerability and strengths that come from being alone vs. those of being in the company of others. The figures in my paintings feel isolated, even with evidence of others close-by like a shadow, hand reaching into the frame, or a text message (why won’t he text me?) I use depictions of everyday struggles like a spilling water glass (less serious than spilled milk), tangled hair, or getting a sunburn (of course I got sunburnt) to show how silly and vulnerable we all can be. I hope viewers relate and see the humor mixed with sadness in these small universal failures and triumphs.
My sculptures are a more immediate/physical way to explore relationships between two masses (will adding this thing to that thing make it stronger or make it fall over?) I think each sculpture has a personality and enjoy the way they interact with each other.
While I sometimes worry that my two and three-dimensional work can seem disparate, I do believe they share a similar visual language and vulnerability. Regardless, it’s very helpful for me to switch between the two ways of making and results in stronger work overall.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I think San Diego struggles to support its artists when it comes to affordable studio space (my studio is also my apartment), exhibition opportunities, and interested collectors. Our proximity to LA definitely has an effect, and I think many artists see San Diego as a “springboard” to other places. After working at and managing Artist & Craftsman Supply for the past five years, it’s so clear that there are tons of artists in San Diego. However, everyone is working in their own separate groups – without much communication flowing between. Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers here.
It can be hard to show up and put in the effort when the community as a whole is feeling downtrodden. However, in the last year or so, I feel like a dedicated group of artists are putting in the blood, sweat, and tears and I’m excited to see what comes of it.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
To see my work in person, I’m extremely excited to have four paintings included in “Being Here With You/ Estando aquí contigo: 42 Artists from San Diego and Tijuana” at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Downtown, which runs Sep 20 – Feb 3. I will also have paintings in figurative exhibitions at City College Gallery from Sep 27-Oct 25 and at Grossmont College’s Hyde Art Gallery Jan 28-Feb 26.
You can support me by sharing my work, asking to do a studio visit, showing up for exhibitions, and of course, purchasing artwork!
Contact Info:
- Website: chantalwnuk.com
- Instagram: chantalmika
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