Behind The Brush with Brooke “MOM” Chaney
In this edition of Behind the Brush, we sit down with Dallas-based multidisciplinary artist Brooke “MOM” Chaney, whose bold, design-forward work blends abstracted landscapes with geometric form. Rooted in a lifelong pull toward creativity, from early experiments in collage and painting to advanced studies in photography, animation, and design, Brooke’s practice is built on both structure and intuition. With carefully planned compositions and a deeply personal approach to color, MOM creates work that feels energetic, fluid, and open-ended—inviting viewers to slow down, interpret, and connect.
How did art first show up in your life and when did it start to feel like something you wanted to take seriously?
Art showed up pretty early for me. I was a very physically active kid, but I was always drawn to creative things too. I took music, dance, and visual art classes in grade school, and I was constantly making art on my own. I was tracing cartoon characters at daycare, making collages, and painting in my room. It just felt natural. I started taking art more seriously in high school when I enrolled in AP Art and began taking advanced classes like film photography, 3D animation, and design. After high school, I was split between being an athlete and an artist, but once I got to college, I chose to focus fully on my art curriculum. That was when I took a first committed step toward art being my future.
Where did the name MOM come from, and what does it represent for you as an artist?
MOM started as a nickname a friend gave me in college, nothing complicated. Over time, it stuck because it actually reflected who I am. I’ve always been the person people come to to talk things through, whether that’s frustrations, secrets, or successes. I try to be open, encouraging, and supportive, but also honest and direct when it matters. Those are qualities I associate with being reliable and caring in the way we often think of mothers. I’ve also been told that my work carries some of that energy, honest, strong, and open, which feels true to me. And as a side note, I’m a Cancer, which is known as the nurturer of the zodiac, for anyone who’s into that.
For someone encountering your work for the first time, how would you describe it?
I’d describe my work as bold, colorful, and design-forward, often pulling from abstracted landscapes and geometric forms. The compositions feel structured but still fluid, with an emphasis on movement, space, and transition. I try to strike a balance between clarity and intuition, letting color and shape do most of the work.
When you’re creating, do you tend to work more intuitively or do you thrive with structure and planning?
I work with a mix of structure and intuition. I usually start by writing a loose list of words connected to the project’s concept and overall feel, which helps me identify elements that might show up in the work. From there, I sketch out the main shapes and composition; that’s where most of the planning happens. Once the structure is set, color becomes the more intuitive part of my process. I’ve developed a personal approach to color over the years, so balancing temperature, saturation, and contrast feels almost second nature now. I’ll toggle between colors and occasionally adjust forms until the piece feels bold and dynamic, but still settled.5. When you’re searching for creative inspiration, where do you usually turn? It really depends on what kind of inspiration I’m looking for. For visual and conceptual ideas, I turn to movies, TV, books, social media, and other artists’ work. Seeing how ideas are explored in different mediums helps spark new directions and shows what’s possible in practice. When I’m looking for something more grounding or energizing, I turn to nature, architecture, music and artist documentaries or stories. Those spaces give me a sense of calm, motivation, and perspective, which usually feeds back into the work in a quieter way.
How has living and working in Dallas shaped your perspective or influenced the work you’re making, if at all?
Living and working in Dallas has definitely shaped the way I approach my work, even if it’s not always obvious. The city’s mix of architecture, landscapes, and cultural energy gives me a lot to observe and respond to. I think it’s made me more aware of how spaces and environments affect the way people move and interact, which naturally influences how I think about composition, scale, and color in my own pieces.
What do you hope people feel or take away when they experience your work?
I hope people feel a sense of energy and openness when they experience my work. I want it to be engaging visually, but also to give people space to interpret it for themselves. Ideally, it sparks a little curiosity or reflection, something that sticks with them, even in a small way.
How has your definition of success evolved as you’ve grown as an artist?
When I was younger, I thought artistic success was synonymous with fame; it always felt like a grand, distant destination. Now, I see it as something ongoing: creating work I love, expressing myself honestly, putting in the work, and building a life I can sustain. Success isn’t a single finish line anymore; it’s in the everyday moments of showing up, making, and growing.
When things feel overwhelming, what helps keep you grounded?
When things feel overwhelming, I take a step back and give myself space by going for a walk, spending time in my garden or the kitchen, or just hanging out with a friend. Making art, even in small ways, is also really grounding. It reminds me to focus on one thing at a time and reconnects me with why I do what I do.
Looking ahead, what does growth look like for you right now beyond numbers, metrics, or recognition
Growth for me looks like deepening my practice and exploring new ways to express ideas. I’ll be taking on projects that challenge me conceptually and technically and finding more confidence in my voice as an artist.
Let the people know where they can follow you and keep up with your journey!
Follow me on instagram @madexmom & check out my full portfolio on my website www.madexmom.com
