Tawny Chatmon's portraits capture the beauty, innocence and hope of black childhood. She is devoted to creating portraits that are loosely inspired by works painted spanning from the 15th to 20th centuries, with the specific intent of bringing to the forefront faces that were often under-celebrated in this style of work. Chatmon's works almost always begin as photographs she has taken of someone close to her. She then alters her photos in diverse ways, creating a depth of layers using a variety of mediums. She chooses to frame her work in gold vintage, antique and baroque frames that she collects from estate sales, galleries, auctions and private sellers. These frames were constructed during (or are reminiscent of) an era in which framing subjects such as her’s wasn’t a consideration. Recently, Chatmon discovered a common theme amongst the sellers of these frames. Something that is often expressed is their concern over the fragility and the importance of them. She realized that the concern over the fragility of these previously loved frames, was her wish for the subjects she was placing inside of them. Chatmon's photography has been featured in Vogue Bambini, Parenting Magazine and Babytalk Magazine. Her commercial clients include YMCA, Until There's a Cure, National Education Association and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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