Meet Cheyne Ellett | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheyne Ellett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheyne, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Southern California. I was born in Torrance and currently live and work in Pomona, though my creative roots stretch across the region. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of skateboarding, punk shows, zines, and long afternoons exploring everything from beaches to desert trails. That mix of movement, independence, and subculture became a kind of informal education. It taught me how to create with what I had, how to express myself without needing permission, and how to stay connected to community through art.

Those early influences still shape my work today. I’m drawn to bright colors, bold forms, and a sense of play. Beneath the surface, there’s always a deeper story or emotional current. Whether I’m making murals, zines, or studio pieces, I’m always thinking about how art can be a tool for connection and how it can live in the world in a way that feels approachable and real.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is seemingly bright, bold, and colorful, yet beneath that vibrant surface, dark undercurrents consistently seep through. This duality is central to my artistic practice: I revolve around finding beauty and hope in the shadows of everyday life and the complexities of our current times. My artwork directly reflects this, juxtaposing cheerful aesthetics with a subtle, deeper darkness, which symbolizes life’s inherent complexities. Through my colorful, yet introspective, fictional characters, I explore the human spirit’s resilience in adversity and the intrinsic beauty that can be found even within darkness. My artistic style itself navigates between the tight, precise lines inspired by editorial illustration and a playful, expressive looseness, showcasing a versatile skill set across various media and scales.

Frankly, my entire artistic career has been an uphill battle. I’ve faced multiple social factors stacked against me, yet despite these challenges, I feel I’ve found some semblance of success. It certainly was not easy. I’ve made significant personal sacrifices to achieve my goals, but I wouldn’t change my journey in any way. The skills and resilience I’ve built along this path have left me truly excited to take on every new challenge that comes my way.

One important lesson I’ve learned along the way is the vital importance of respecting individual paths: not everyone’s goals are the same. Some people focus primarily on family, while others prioritize their careers, and ultimately, all these aspirations can hold equal significance and should be honored as such.

My key takeaway, what I truly want the world to understand about my artistic journey and practice, is simply this: just give your wildest dreams a go. I know I’m far from claiming to be the best, but I’ve embarked on an incredibly exciting and fulfilling journey thus far. I aimed for the moon, and I landed among the stars.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s a fantastic question, and truly, showing a friend around this region would be an absolute blast. Our itinerary would be packed, covering incredible spots all over Southern California, blending art, nature, and great food.

For starters, we’d definitely kick things off right here in the area. A must-see would be Palomares Park to check out the murals, including the ones I had the privilege to work on. If Lucky Nick’s Pop-Up is in town, we’d absolutely have to grab a fantastic slice of their sourdough pizza. From there, we could head to Crystal Cove for a truly relaxing beach day by the coast. On the way back home, a stop at Swirlz in Upland for some amazing ice cream would be non-negotiable.

Throughout the week, we’d dedicate time to exploring. Any given day, there are multiple great art shows opening in LA city proper, so we’d definitely immerse ourselves in the vibrant gallery scene there. Beyond that, if we were back in Pomona by my studio, a casual bike ride along the Pacific Electric Bike Trail would be essential. It’s a great way to see the area, and they could even spot the trail marker I painted for the City of Rancho Cucamonga.

What truly makes this area special, in my view, are the diverse experiences available. It’s the blend of cutting-edge art, stunning natural landscapes, and incredible local culinary gems. From witnessing dynamic new exhibitions to enjoying a relaxed beach day or a bike ride that doubles as a tour of local public art, it’s all about unique moments. We have a fantastic mix of people, places, and things to check out that genuinely excite me, making it easy to show anyone the best time ever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a great question, and it really highlights an important truth: our successes are never achieved in isolation. I’m incredibly grateful for the support system that has shaped my journey as an artist.

If I were to dedicate a shoutout, it would certainly begin with the vibrant skateboarding, music, and DIY cultures of Southern California. Growing up immersed in these scenes, specifically during my early childhood in La Verne and then later creating in Pomona, ignited my passion for visual storytelling and artistic expression. The energy, the sense of community, and the raw creativity inherent in these cultures taught me invaluable lessons about self-expression, resilience, and building things from the ground up.

Next, I owe a great deal to my teachers and mentors. My education, particularly at Citrus College and California State University Long Beach, provided the essential foundational skills and critical thinking that allowed my artistic voice to truly develop. They challenged me to explore diverse mediums and concepts, transforming what was a passionate interest into a professional practice.

I also want to give immense recognition to my long-term partner, who is a talented chef. Her dedication to her own craft and her unwavering support and encouragement are truly invaluable. Being with someone who deeply understands the creative process, the dedication, and the passion involved in building an artistic career, even if in a different field, provides a unique kind of understanding and strength. Her culinary world often inspires my own approach to creation.

Finally, a significant shoutout goes to the diverse artistic communities and organizations I’ve had the privilege to engage with and collaborate alongside. My work frequently blends emerging technologies with traditional art practices, and this journey is largely made possible by the open minds and collaborative spirits of fellow artists and various institutions. Specifically, partners like Crisselle Mendiola and Cynthia Nava, on large-scale public art projects, truly exemplify the power of shared vision and effort. The various Cities such as Pomona, Claremont, and Long Beach, along with organizations like the Arts Council for Long Beach and institutions like the Wignall Museum of Modern Art and John Wayne Airport, have provided crucial platforms and opportunities. Their belief in the power of art to celebrate, educate, and explore diverse perspectives has been instrumental in bringing my work to public spaces and broader audiences. Receiving support, such as the Mission Asset Fund-Los Angeles Young Creatives Grant, has also been vital, enabling me to dedicate time and resources to my craft and pursue ambitious projects.

It truly is a collective endeavor, and I am profoundly grateful for every person, group, and cultural influence that has contributed to my artistic story.

Website: https://www.ellettcheyne.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellettcheyne

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellettcheyneArt