CHREE EXPLORATIONS - MANDY MOONEYHAM

May 1 - June 11, 2025

ARTIST STATEMENT
My work delves into the intricate landscape of the human mind, exploring its deep ties to memory, experience, and personal transformation. At the heart of this exploration are my "Chrees"—a fusion of chairs and trees (Chair + Tree = Chree).

The Chree is a visual metaphor for the relationship between our grounded reality and the boundless potential of our thoughts. Trees, with their ability to grow, branch, and adapt, embody the fluid nature of the mind, constantly evolving and reaching toward new horizons. Chairs, commonplace yet integral to our daily lives, symbolize the structure and foundation upon which our memories are built—frameworks that hold our past, yet allow for endless reinterpretation. Together, the chair-rooted tree becomes an emblem of the constant interplay between the organic flow of thought and the constructed nature of memory.

Through the Chree, I invite viewers to reflect on their own mental landscapes, encouraging a journey into the spaces where thought, experience, and self-awareness intersect. My work seeks to create a dialogue between the natural and the built, urging a deeper understanding of how our internal worlds shape our understanding of existence. Ultimately, I hope my art fosters introspection, sparks curiosity, and reveals the quiet, profound beauty of our mental and emotional landscapes.

https://mandymoon.art/

BIO
Mandy Mooneyham is an artist whose work is rooted in a lifelong engagement with the creative process. Initially captivated by portraiture and realism, Mandy’s early artistic practice was focused on capturing the tangible world in intricate detail. Over time, however, her exploration of personal symbolism and abstraction led to a profound shift in her work, ultimately resulting in the creation of the Chrees—a series that would come to define her artistic identity.

Growing up in a small town in Arkansas, Mandy embarked on her artistic journey without formal training. She taught herself by studying the works of the Old Masters from a small local library. This self-directed learning fueled a broader interest in the visual arts, eventually expanding into digital design and typography. Mandy later pursued Fine Art studies at Arkansas State University, where she was introduced to surrealism and conceptual art, significantly shaping her artistic approach.

In addition, Mandy spent time studying abroad in Florence, Italy, where she deepened her understanding of Renaissance art history, and in Japan, where she was influenced by the cultural emphasis on nurturing and shaping trees. These experiences broadened her artistic perspective and further deepened her connection to the natural world.

After college, Mandy transitioned fully into painting, seeking the depth and physicality that the medium offered. The first Chree emerged in 2009, and despite exploring other artistic styles over the years, the Chrees have remained central to her practice. Over time, Mandy refined this visual language, allowing it to evolve into her primary focus.The Chrees—chair-rooted trees—serve as a visual metaphor for how our minds grow, adapt, and retain memories.

Mandy’s work has been exhibited in various galleries, where she continues to explore the limitless potential of the Chrees. Her paintings aim to evoke introspection, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own thoughts and memories within the surreal, dreamlike landscapes she creates.

Beyond her art practice, Mandy works as a UX/UI Director, where she blends creativity, research, and problem-solving to craft intuitive digital experiences. However, it is in painting where she finds her truest expression—a space where she feels most alive.