When I am among the trees, 
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
 but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”

Mary Oliver

Having grown up in the rural south, Chelsea uses art used to examine the connection to place. The southern landscape serves as reflection and study. Her paintings are inspired by a lifetime spent gazing at the passing skies through the pines, hiding under the heavy oaks, and observing how their weathered gestures translate into moods. Chelsea draws from an experimental background, often using unconventional methods and mediums. The artist lives in Memphis, TN with her husband, Stephen, and two rescue dogs, Charlie and Buddy. 

“The southern landscape,

tragic and beautiful,

is the backdrop to our stories.

And there is comfort

our stories, passed,

are held still with the trees.”

Commissions welcomed. Contact info@chelseaflyart.com for more details.