Biography
Reese Chammas spent their formative years outside the Metro Detroit area in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They are pursuing a BA at Oakland University and are set to graduate April of 2026. Since 2023, Reese has been a Gallery Assistant for the Oakland University Art Gallery, OU. Reese uses a plethora of mediums including but not limited to drawing, printmaking, painting, and clay. Reese strives to use their artwork to portray the innate beauty and value of insects and other underappreciated creatures. Their own body and identity are also a common theme in their work. Reese is influenced by their middle eastern childhood and the effects of having a mother not of the culture.
Artist Statement
Reese Chammas, a multimedia artist, creates work that illustrates insects and other crawly creatures in an approachable way, challenging the fear and misconceptions behind them. The Majority of Reese’s smaller scale drawings take inspiration from scientific illustrations seen in textbooks and other informational readings. When many of their peers found insects to be frightening Reese found solace in them. People judge too harshly causing them to overlook beautiful patterns and colors. These patterns and colors are utilized in all of Reese’s methods of creating. Reese related to the life a bug lived, constantly moving from one place to the next hoping they’ll fit in. The struggle of finding safety in community is a strong theme in Reese’s artwork. Their multicultural home life finds them wrestling with their identity and where they belong.