Photographer | Photography based Artist, Tawny Chatmon

Tawny is a self taught artist who has been working in the field of photography for the past 16+ years. Born in Tokyo, growing up an ‘army brat’, she had the unique opportunity to take in the cultures of three different continents all before the age of 12. By then she was in the United States and elbow-deep in her aunt’s theatre company. She studied theatrical arts from the age 12 to early adulthood. After briefly attending a dramatic arts conservatory after high school, she switched paths and focused her interests on being behind the camera. 

Her work and life have gone through many phases that led her to create the work she does today. She attributes this evolution to three major shifts: The decision to no longer pursue a career in dramatic arts, the birth of her first child and the death of her father. 

Tawny says, "I look to photography as the first layer of communication. My work is ever-changing and constantly evolving as am I. The portraits I create today are almost always inspired by my children and my desire to contribute something important to a world I want them to thrive in.  Each portrait usually begins as someone that I am close to in some way (my children, Goddaughter, a relative, or a model that I’ve worked with in the past) which then transforms into a new compositional expression by experimenting with multiple art practices. I choose to frame my work in gold vintage, antique and contemporary baroque style frames that I collect from estate sales, consignment and second hand shops, galleries, auctions and private sellers; the majority that previously held artwork of subjects that looked nothing like mine. Every layer is intentional and meaningful." 

Website: www.tawnychatmon.com

Instagram: tawnychatmon

twitter: @tawnychatmon

Fotografiska: https://www.fotografiska.com/nyc/exhibition/tawny-chatmon-inheritance/

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/natashagural/2019/12/13/stay-up-late-at-fotografiska-new-york-to-traverse-the-wide-world-of-photography/#338ebfc270e7

Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2019/12/11/arts/art-basel-bears-far-better-fruit-than-that-120000-banana/

Just google Tawny Chatmon!