Like father like daughter.
It was from him, Robert Claiborne Buckles, that I inherited my creative sensibilities, and it was from him that I learned craftsmanship, integrity and how to be true to oneself. Though he never made his living as an artist, per se, he lived his life in a most creative, individualistic way. As a builder/carpenter/electrician/ plumber he added texture and a sense of fun and adventure to everything he did.
As a teenager I received my first formal art training at Powell Valley High School, Big Stone Gap, VA. In 1981, at Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK, I lost my way - giving into a lack of self-confidence, choosing instead to study psychology and telecommunications - yes, it was a meandering path!
Thoroughly discouraged, I left that institution and chose to work instead. It was not until 1990 that I returned to a college classroom and the full-time study of art - history, design, ceramics, painting, drawing, technical drawing (yuck! The only class I ever hated.). It was at the University of North Alabama that I put in many studio hours and loved every minute of it. Forever I will be grateful for the invaluable knowledge and insight I received from the professors at that small, Southern school.
Allowing life to get in the way, i.e. divorce, rent, work, etc., I lost my way again. Though I continued in some creative endeavors - a few commissioned pieces, some drawing and painting for myself and the family; I was not living my life as an artist.
There is no regret I bring with me. Every experience, both good and bad, has helped to mold me into the person I am at this very moment.
That is what has brought me to this place in life - an imperative to be true to myself and the God-given talents bestowed upon me.
"Art By Chā" (chay) is the child of lifelong desire and deep passion for form, color and design.
More Pollock than Rockwell, I know my work is not everyone's "cup o'tea" but, do this I must!
Currently, you will find in my gallery a conglomeration of paintings, drawings, a couple of ceramic pieces, collages and even one 3-D piece. In the very near future you will find more work with found objects - though who's to say where I will go exactly! That will be the only constant for me, both in my life and my work; I live for the evolution and what may happen, never having a set-in-stone notion of where it will end up. That's the fun of it!
By the way, I was born Tracy R. Buckles and my work will be signed as such. Chā (chay) is the nickname given to me by my baby sister and became what all of my immediate family calls me. This gallery is very personal, thus I thought the name appropriate.
So ... WELCOME! Thank you for dropping by! I truly am so honored that you have. Take a look around and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.
Art Galleries:
- Paintings by Chā
- Acrylic on canvas, classic motifs, organic and geometric shapes, museum gallery quality, and more!
- Drawings, Collages and Photographs by Chā
- Charcoal on paper, collage, water color, pastel, museum/gallery quality photos. Check it out!
- Three-Dimensionals by Chā
- Hand-built clay pot, textured surfaces, diorama, acrylic paint, natural grasses. Must see!