My name is Chad and I’m an artist based in Salem, Oregon. I am forever inspired by the wonders of the Pacific Northwest’s wild places and all the various human and non-human persons who call this region home. My concentration has centered on the rich nature of gender expression, authenticity and mental wellbeing. All of these inspirations intersect in my work through a sculpture and acrylic portrait series I’ve dubbed “Sasqueens.” These magnificent, magical beings allow me to be playful while also developing an authentic voice on issues that are important to me.

I create gender expansive Sasquatches (i.e. "Sasqueens”) because I often feel like I am one, or at least aspire to be one. Can you imagine a crisp autumn evening, a multicolored, leaf-strewn path between the pines, lined with an audience of woodland creatures, the light from fireflies sparkling in their eyes, their anticipation building as the songbirds, crickets and frogs drop a beat, when a hirsute leg steps out of the shadows, followed by a body wrapped in a barely-there dress of live butterflies, carrying the fiercest, most glamorously made-up Sasqueen you’ve ever seen? That’s the scene I try to live in with my art. I hope you’ll follow along as I discover more of their personalities and the depth of my own voice.

To everyone else out there wondering about, struggling with, and/or celebrating your gender and sexuality journey, please know that these lovely creatures see you, love you, and are ready to walk and dance alongside you as you embrace more of what makes you beautiful.