Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaneryna Thach.
Hi Chaneryna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Springfield, MO, but I traveled up to Kansas City for college, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute.My work is rooted in storytelling, culture, and memory. As a Cambodian American artist, I primarily work with cut paper, often blending it with other materials to explore identity and heritage in personal, tangible ways. I’m drawn to the emotional and narrative power of imagery—how a single piece can hold joy, grief, pride, and curiosity all at once.Through my art, I reflect on my lived experiences and the history of my ancestors, using layers of paper and color to honor and question what’s been passed down to me. At the same time, I hope to spark a sense of wonder in others and offer windows into Cambodian culture—its beauty, resilience, and complexity.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a roller coaster, that’s for sure! Moving to Kansas City meant leaving my family and everything familiar behind. It was my first time truly on my own, in a city where I didn’t really know anyone.
Choosing art wasn’t something my family fully understood—they had hoped I’d take a more traditional path, like becoming a doctor. It’s a distance I still feel even now, despite things being much better than before.
Being away from home pushed me to connect more deeply with my Cambodian culture and family history. That’s where my art practice comes in—I create art instead of making phone calls or having conversations I’m too scared, or too proud, to have. Like the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” My work is my way of expressing my truest feelings: that I miss my family, that I’m homesick, and most importantly, that I want our stories to be heard.
At the end of the day, I’m incredibly stubborn—and yes, a bit spiteful. however, Doubts only fuel me to grow and fight harder, not just to prove others wrong, but to prove to myself that this path is worth it. That following my passion was never a mistake.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work usually starts with a story—something I’m feeling, a memory from home, or a part of my Cambodian heritage I want to explore and share. I mainly work with cut paper, carefully hand-cutting and layering each piece to bring those stories to life.
What I’m most proud of is that my work connects with people. When someone tells me a piece reminded them of their own family or culture, it means everything to me. It shows me my art isn’t just about my experiences—it’s about shared feelings of homesickness, identity, and belonging.
What sets me apart is both my medium and my perspective. Cut paper is pretty niche, and pairing it with my Cambodian heritage gives my work a voice that’s rarely seen. It’s my way of holding on to my culture while also cutting out a space for myself as an artist—something I wasn’t always sure I could do, but I’ve fought hard to make real.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Honestly, it’s a mix of stubbornness, spite, and love. I’m incredibly driven- stupidly ambitious for my own good and idealistic- and when someone doubts me, it only pushes me harder to prove them wrong. At the same time, my passion for my culture keeps me grounded. My work isn’t just about me—it’s about honoring where I come from and making sure those stories live on.
Pricing:
- Small pieces and goods (like stickers, prints, and other items I sell at local vending events): $5–$25 some of these items will be available at West Bottom Plant co!
- Original cut paper artworks (available through galleries or commissions): $300–$800
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Chaneryna_thach
