Artist Bio (courtesy Daniel Franzese/World of Wonder):

The World of Wonder Storefront Gallery reopens on April 25 with
the group show "depARTed," with works themed to celebrities who
"inspired before they expired." The show's curator, actor
Daniel Franzese, introduces you to Trevor Chowning,
one of the contributors:

(Trevor Chowning at "Smile" movie premier. Photo: Keith Stern)

Trevor Chowning spent his childhood scouring the pages of
Interview magazine for articles about his two earliest passions,
art and cinema. Despite the idyllic setting of his youth, rural
Indiana didn't present many opportunities to explore either of
those interests. Forging his plan early on to experience the
allure of big city life, he began a career in entertainment by
promoting music as an agent and talent manager for musicians,
including Grammy-nominee Larry Tee and Johnny Cash's
legendary band.

Trevor was one of the first friends I made when I moved to LA.
I met him when I was seeking representation for speaking
engagements. We quickly began inspiring each other to explore
different places in LA. He always had a crazy story about every
Hollywood landmark. It's fitting now that I can introduce him to
you at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery – exactly the kind
of fun, inspiring, and weird place that makes Hollywood what it is.

("Lindsay Lohan Child's Costume" by Trevor Chowning)

Chowning is one of those artists who create pieces that make you
want to tell all your friends about them. People still ask about his
Lindsey Lohan costume that the tabloids all picked up on from the Storefront Gallery's "Hollyween" show, like here and here.
Damien Hearse, a hearse covered in rhinstones, was his take on
Damien Hirst's platinum skull covered in 8,601 diamonds and
made people scream with delight. His art is always ready to evoke
an emotion. Over the years, Trevor expanded his personal art
collection and this love of art has inspired several new possibilities
for the always restless entrepreneur. He is currently the lead
designer for the esoteric jewelry line "Apples and Arsenic" and now represents a collective of painters and fine artists.

(Damien Hirst's "For the Love of God")

(Trevor Chowning's "Damien Hearse")

Trevor's love of kitsch and passion for classic Hollywood is
reflected in his current artwork. While he still considers Los
Angeles home, he enjoys creating jewelry designs and artwork
in his Oregon studio and back on his family homestead in Indiana.
– Daniel Franzese

Trevor often utilizes highly traditional methods, materials and
techniques in the creation his art.  In fact, for one piece titled
"Honoring Bunnicula" he used the miniature feathers from a real
antique hummingbird specimen to serve as the prismatic pupils
of the rabbit.  He says of his style of art, "I know this pisses a
lot of other artists off, but I don't take art too seriously.  To me
it's simply a matter of taking a passing thought or fantasy
and putting it down in a tangible form so other people can see
what I'm seeing in my head.  I liken it to waking up after a vibrant
dream that you're dying to tell your friends about, followed by that
sense of frustration we all get by not being able to translate those
images into words.  With art, you can paint or sculpt exactly what
you imagine.  I suppose I'm more of a translator than an artist."



Trivia:

• He was born in the same Indiana small town as another famous artist, Robert Indiana.
• He was once the Manager for Johnny Cash's band.
• He has a Pit Bull named Cooper that he rescued from a Beverly Hills animal shelter.

Press:

TMZ
Defamer
LA Weekly
World of Wonder
Group Shows:

1999  Yesfest Indianapolis, Indiana
2002  The Homestead Gathering New Castle
2005  The Homestead Gathering New Castle
2006  The Homestead Gathering New Castle
2007  Holly-ween World of Wonder Gallery-Hollywood, CA
2008  DepARTed World of Wonder Gallery-Hollywood, CA
2008  Dial "M" for Madonna World of Wonder Gallery-Hollywood, CA
2008  Hollywood D.C.-Lights, Camera, Election! World of Wonder Gallery-Hollywood, CA