About Mandy Mooneyham
Artist Statement
As an artist, my work explores the intricate tapestry of the human mind and its connection to memories and experiences. The visual representation of this concept takes the form of chair-rooted trees, which I call Chrees. (Chair + Tree = Chree)
Chrees are a visual metaphor of the symbiotic relationship between our grounded existence and the boundless growth and transformation of our thoughts. Trees, known for their ability to grow, branch out, and adapt to their environment, capture the essence of the human thought process. And chairs, as everyday objects, represent the constructed nature of our recollections, embodying the framework upon which our memories are built. Each Chree seeks to visually bridge the gap between the organic and the constructed, forming a unique portrait of human existence.
My artwork invites viewers on a journey of introspection and contemplation. Within the realm of Chree, the human mind’s growth intertwines with the organic world, allowing for a deeper understanding of the connections between our thoughts, memories, and the tapestry of existence. It is my hope that through this exploration, my art will evoke a sense of wonder, ignite introspection, and illuminate the profound marvels that lie within the captivating realm of Chree.
Bio
Art has always been a driving force in my life. I started as a portrait and realism artist, fascinated by capturing the tangible world in intricate detail. But over time, my artistic path shifted, leading me to explore something deeper—something uniquely my own. That’s when I discovered the Chrees.
Chrees—chair-rooted trees—are the foundation of my work. They are a visual metaphor for the way our minds grow, adapt, and hold onto memories. Trees represent resilience, transformation, and organic change, while chairs reflect structure, familiarity, and the framework of our past. Together, they create a surreal language that explores the tension between the natural and the constructed, the limitless and the grounded.
I grew up in a small Arkansas town, attending a school with no formal art program. I taught myself to draw by obsessively studying the old masters from a tiny library’s collection, copying their works over and over. Outside of traditional mediums, I also dove into digital design, developing an early love for typography and website creation. This passion eventually led me to Arkansas State University, where I studied for my BFA in Fine Art with a focus on digital printmaking. It was there that I was first introduced to surrealism and conceptual art, sparking a shift in how I approached my work.
After college, I found myself drawn more and more to painting. Unlike digital art, painting offered a physicality and depth that I craved. The first Chree appeared in 2009, and though I explored other styles for years, I always returned to them. Eventually, I committed fully to this vision, refining the language of my Chrees and allowing them to become my artistic focus.
Now, my work has been shown in galleries and exhibitions, and I continue to push the boundaries of what Chrees can represent. I want my paintings to evoke introspection, to encourage viewers to examine their own thoughts and memories through this strange, dreamlike world I create. More than anything, I want my art to outlive me—to become a lasting legacy that contributes to the broader artistic conversation.
By day, I work as a UX/UI Director, focusing on strategic design and user experience, blending research, problem-solving, and creativity to craft intuitive digital experiences. But painting is my true home. It’s where I explore, challenge, and lose myself in the details. It’s where I feel most alive.