Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Chamberlain.
Hi Cody, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I spent my childhood roaming the high west desert of Utah, where I developed a life-long concern and respect for the environment. I began working as a Forest Ranger when I was 18 years old, working full time for the Forest Service while earning my BFA in Art & Visual Communications with a painting emphasis at Utah Valley University and pursuing postgraduate studies in Anthropology and Archeology at the University of Utah. After completing my under-graduate degree, I immediately counted the most distinguished exhibitions in Utah as the first of my career. I recently completed a large-scale oil painting commission for the State of Utah, who also purchased the image rights for one of my previous large-scale paintings.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome as an artist is learning how to invent my own path. I didn’t have a clear framework or prototype for what success as an artist could look like, so much of my journey has been self-directed. When my father passed away when I was about 12, it became a defining life challenge. My mother raised five children on her own, and despite limited resources, she would purchase my supplies. She supported me how she could despite an art education or career being outside the scope of her experience.
I became the first person in my immediate family to earn a college degree, where I was fortunate to meet insightful professors and peers who became lifelong influences. I received meaningful guidance and advice that helped shape my vision of what a successful artistic life could be. Alongside my professional art career, I’ve continued working with the Forest Service, and the two paths have deeply informed each other. Ultimately, both serve the same purpose: fostering a stronger relationship between people, art, and the environment, and raising awareness of our desert landscape.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My art is a form of activism and a visual retrospective of my experiences exploring desert environments. I believe art has an important role to play in uniting us toward a common cause and defining who we are and what issues are important to us. That is why Utah’s unique landscape is at the heart of my work. Preservation of the environment begins with awareness and appreciation of the places we must take action to protect.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as staying true to myself and to my art while being able to support myself and my family. I feel fortunate to work outdoors and to be part of a motivated, supportive community that shares a common goal of learning how to live with and work in harmony with our environment. For me, success isn’t just personal achievement—it’s alignment between my values, my work, and the impact I have on the world around me.
Pricing:
- Depending on the size of the work, it can start anywhere from $100-$50,000.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://codyrexchamberlain.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codychamberlain__art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17shqv1QZH/
