BIO

CJ Metzger:
Candace (or CJ) is a painter, illustrator, writer and designer working in Los Angeles. Her paintings are narrative, often revealing sweet, wonderous and sometimes somber stories of humans and their relationships with animals and the natural environment. To illustrate these stories, she uses acrylics, collage, mixed media, and digital methods, blending surreal and whimsical imagery in a highly delicious and alluring way. Most recently she is obsessed with creating portraits of woman flanked by animals and insects as can be seen in her new book "The Secret Live's of Dolls" (Blurb, 2008).

Her work transcends basic illustration through their narration coupled by compelling intent. Currently there is an increased appreciation for this genre and CJ is becoming a "notarized participant in the scene, with a careful and well thought-out approach to her work and an unparalleled dedication to her craft." (Leora Lutz, curator - Gallery Revisited)

The daughter of an artist/educator and an aerospace engineer, and the granddaughter to artists/designers, CJ began creating art out of an uncontrollable need to communicate years and generations worth of visual energy. Her exhibition history began 8 years ago, with her artist sister (Miss Mindy) when they combined forces to bring their "pop-surrealism" or "urban folk art" genre of art to the art to the public eye. During these early years, she found that people adored her character based and folk art inspired pieces finding them them unique and inspiring.

From that moment on she's been on a creative roller coaster with recent career highlights including designing a line of limited edition vinyl toys (Mindstyle), releasing her children’s book (Baby Tattoo Books), designing Decorama wall vinyls and there logo for Bored Inc., , creating stationary designs with Rosebud Design, and collaborating with her writer/husband Pete Metzger and The Chiodo Bros. on a children's entertainment project (Mischievous Maeve & the Monster Brigade).

Working as a fine artist, illustrator and graphic designer has given her the opportunity create art for Neiman Marcus, Hot Topic, Fred Eric, Hard Rock Café, Baby Tattoo Books, Mindstyle, and the Los Angeles Times.

Currently, CJ’s work is being sought after by galleries, and is being collected by all sorts of arts collecting types around the globe (she even has a painting in Antarctica!). Her career continues to thrive in multiple directions - and that's just the way she likes it.

For a current resume, artist statement, or more info, please email CJ Metger @ cjmetzger@cjmetzger.com

Past Fine Art Exhibitions

ARTIST STATEMENT

My current painting explorations combine imagery that both delights and saddens the senses. By documenting some of my own experiences and connecting with shared feelings of others, I create portraits of fictional people, characters, and creatures that battle with the mundanities and wonders of everyday life. They are like modern icons paintings depicting moments of time, of events or reflections. A woman "feeling ambivalence" or a girl /deer hybrid feeling a bit lost in a big world, each piece has it's own secret narrative that each viewer becomes a part of. Gently pulling at your heartstrings, tugging at your empathy gland - these pieces are like modern fairy tales of life in a big unruly and wonderous world.

Education

University of Southern California – Master’s of Public Art Studies (2001)

Art Center Pasadena - at Night (1996-1999)

California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) - Bachelor’s of Art (1995)

Pasadena City College & The Oxford Exchange Program (1993)