Tania Chanter’s story is quite incredible. She’d never considered picking up a paintbrush until 2018 when a Bob Ross tutorial sparked a new passion. Within that same year she had her first exhibition. Michael, her husband, studied fine art and is a graphic designer – he’d always been “the creative one”. Once Tania had discovered her own talent and joy of painting, there was no stopping the Chanter’s creative powerhouse. Both with their unique styles, Michael and Tania often work collaboratively; she creates large scale landscapes and abstracts; he adds intricate and quirky details. The result is a beautiful testament to their strengths both as individuals and as a team. Our editor Pip Young asked Tania about her phenomenal success in such a short space of time:
Where, and how, did your story as an artist begin?
I wish I could say I had the burning desire to paint ever since I began finger painting in kindergarten, and after years of study, multiple art schools and hours and hours of practice I developed into the consummate professional I am today, but that is just not true. My creative practice began almost by accident. After binging on Bob Ross videos one school holiday, my teenage son suggested we get ourselves a canvas and follow one of Bob’s tutorials. So, on a sunny day under the shade of a large oak tree with my two boys focused on an iPad watching a whispering man sporting an impressive afro, my creative practice began. Since that day I have painted almost every day.
What has your career path been? What’s led you to be where you are today?
Throughout my creative career, I have enjoyed working in a diverse range of roles including 12 years in advertising at The Age newspaper, as a voice-over artist and media presenter, and as a director of a graphic design company. I have enjoyed all these endeavours, and while painting began as a creative experiment with my children, I never anticipated falling so completely in love with the expression and freedom it provides. It meets every creative impulse I have and is a source of endless inspiration and satisfaction.
What is your connection to the Yarra Ranges?
I grew up in Glen Waverley, and after getting married in 1988, my husband and I lived in Blackburn for a few years. When we had the opportunity to share land with our family, we moved to Silvan. We have lived in the Yarra Ranges now for 34 years. I love all the obvious things about the region; the stunning natural beauty, lush forests, towering mountain ash trees, and meandering walking trails. We feel very privileged and forever grateful to be able to live in such a beautiful area away from the pace and constant buzz of suburbia. The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges also have a rich artistic and cultural scene with palpable creative energy. Apart from the excellent regional galleries, there are several supportive art organisations like YAVA, and the recently opened UP Gallery in Sassafras, run exclusively by and for local artists
How would you describe your style of painting?
I have always had a desire to express the emotions I feel from nature. The depth and richness of the colours, the complexity of the sky – the romantic feeling of stormy clouds, the churning foam of the ocean on those days and the sunlight playing through tall grasses as they bend and wave. My feelings flow directly onto the canvas in an uninterrupted, intuitive flow; layers, textures and colours blend and evolve before me until some secret inner part of me feels satisfied. I don’t question or reflect on the process as it takes shape, I simply let the emotions rule the head. Even though my first painting was in oils, I soon moved to acrylics primarily because I am fundamentally impatient. Waiting for oils to dry, even with the addition of mediums frustrates me. I also find the crisp edges that can be achieved with acrylics satisfying. I work quickly, and often thickly with layers of impasto. Multiple layers of thin coats of acrylic paint are used to enhance texture and add watercolour feel.
Who or what influences you most?
Before I discovered painting, I would move through an art gallery fairly quickly. Now things have changed. I find myself lingering, studying, focusing on the artist brush strokes, and trying to appreciate and understand their technique. I find nothing more pleasurable than standing in front of an original Fred Williams and being completely mesmerised by the complex simplicity of his compositions, the texture, colours, and sheer genius of his art. Apart from the likes of Williams, Whitely, and Olsen who I find inspirational, there are many contemporary artists who inspire me. Many of them I have come to know and find their encouragement, advice, and support incredibly valuable. Bob Burridge, a contemporary American painter, has inspired me for some time. I recently read a quote from Bob that is well worth remembering:
“You, the artist, have to develop to the point where your eccentricity blossoms. My advice is, don’t let anybody tell you what or how to paint. Don’t let others limit you because they can’t imagine doing it themselves. People who judge you don’t matter...and people who matter don’t judge you.”
Bob’s words are a reminder that painting is about the doing, and whatever would prevent you from that is not worth focussing on. In short; paint, paint, paint and keep painting. Paint yourself out of negative thoughts and don’t give up.
What do you love to do to relax and have fun?
Outdoor walks around the Dandenong’s is high on the list. Short two-day getaways to regional Victoria visiting galleries etc. Exercise is a big part of having fun. Apart from walks, I play Badminton with a group of close friends weekly.
It was wonderful to meet Tania and Michael in their own home, both warm and hospitable hosts. They were patient throughout the photoshoot, and happy to share stories of their respective creative practices, and show us around their beautiful garden and studio. It was a joy to witness the way they work together, often at the same time, on the same piece. They are a great example of teamwork and talent at their best. After only two years of painting, Tania had already been nominated as a top 20 finalist in the Art Lovers Australia Prize 2020, and in a feature by Singulart, was identified as one of the “Five Contemporary Artists to Watch in 2020”. Tania’s work has now featured in over 20 exhibitions, both group and solo, and is one of Bluethumb’s top selling artists. Her message to others is clear – everyone is creative, you just need to start somewhere and see what magic happens. A prolific creator, her art is now her full-time career, and with Michael’s creative, graphics and marketing input, the couple are a team that we’ll be sure to see more of.
WORDS Pip Young | PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Fergus
