[Portrait of Chalise in the studio]

About

Chalise Chevin

An artist based in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Her work moves between two moods. On paper, fine ink and loose watercolour bring to life a cast of slightly put-upon animals: a cat caught in the rain, a fox lining up a putt, a pig dancing on pointe. On canvas, acrylic is built up in rich colour and heavy texture, in still lifes of tropical fruit and figures half-swallowed by foliage.

Each Almost Human character starts with something people love doing. Chalise thinks about the things she enjoys, or what other people are passionate about, then finds the animal that suits the vibe. A fox who takes his golf seriously. A rat who appreciates a good red.

“Being able to take an idea in my head and put it on canvas or paper is really satisfying, even when it doesn't turn out quite how I pictured it. I love colour, and mixing colour. I can see the colours in my mind, then look at the paints and just know how to get there.”