John Chaney

John Chaney moved to Los Angeles ten years ago at the slightest suggestion of a television producer during a “scouting event” that John and a number of fellow Seattle suburban thespians-in-training had paid a hefty fee to attend.

Like most of John’s adventures, ambition is the element that would provide his endeavor with any credibility. He had joined the United States Air Force straight out of high school and spent many years outside the US on various tours. He’d been married and farmed apples in Sonora, CA for a time as well, and even sold plumbing supplies on the road.

Before moving to LA, John was an owner/operator of a bread distribution franchise when he felt compelled to pursue happiness and art instead of stability and retirement. His father, like other men in john’s demographic, had spent the majority of his life passive on a sofa between meals and jobs, happy with his middle class life.

Many are called, but few are chosen. After years on the ‘actor’s treadmill’, john was invited to a “paint day” around the pool event at his employer’s house. The house just so happened to be the one the late great Gary Cooper died in. It was that day John found true love.

He was so used to being the one finding love that even today he finds it hard to believe that art is still around and found HIM. This time the slightest suggestion came from Color (mostly blue) and form.

John has painted most waking moments since that afternoon. Traveling and painting across the Atlantic ocean and in Southampton New York, however; John most enjoys painting in his apartment right here in West Hollywood.

John sees art as a responsibility. Art is the only thing that allows men to overcome the restraints they put on themselves.

Man’s spirit needs the freedom that religion and government try their damndest to regulate… Man can do anything… all he has to do is see it, imagine it, think about it…

John spends hours, weeks and months on his paintings, pouring thought and material into every piece of work.