About the Artist
As a native Virginian, I have had the pleasure of of living in an area where one can choose to be engulfed in the powerful sounds and beauty of the ocean or the quiet majesty of the mountains and all the life it bestows. It is getting out in nature and later capturing the experience in art that keeps me centered with my creator.
CHance to Design, is a home based business established in 2009 by local artist Cindy Harrison located in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach, VA.
A period of self-reflection and a desire to engage in a business nurturing the creative spirit lead to a drawing, the drawing lead to a logo, and the logo lead to a company. There were many steps in between but the basis of the story is not uncommon to the overall process of design. It all starts with an idea, building upon that idea, and making it come to life. Like so many small businesses, it is a story of transformation and of new beginnings.
I have always loved to draw and paint but began my career as a draftsman behind a drawing desk composing field maps and posting equipment for several utility companies while sidelining as a self-taught artist. Later, I studied architectural drafting at Tidewater Community College and freelanced by illustrating home renderings in pencil or pen & ink which I still do from time to time. That was followed by years of working in the field of communications for a benefit office responsible for their web design and any graphic design of printed material needs. I traded in the 9 to 5 benefit office for a home studio with more flexible hours. I have continued throughout the years to improve my art skills by taking classes at Museum of Contemporary Art and ODU.
May 2018, I became a proud Exhibiting artist and member of the Artists Gallery, located in Virginia Beach. I retired from exhibiting in the outdoor Art Festivals but still maintain my home studio and participate in gallery shows including the Annual International Miniature Show held at Seaside Gallery in Nags Head, N.C. My primary medium is oil painting but I also draw in colored pencil and pen & ink which I have used for a line of Christmas on the Bay, nautical Christmas cards that are sold in local gift shops.