"Oddly Familiar" by Chad Knowles
“When you smile at a tree, I believe the tree smiles back—and through my art, I try to share that perspective.”
Thank you, Sponsor!
This exhibition is generously sponsored by
Kat and Pete Rich.
Carbondale Arts presents “Oddly Familiar” a solo exhibition by painter Chad Knowles at the Carbondale Arts Gallery, on display July 11 - August 14, 2025. The opening reception will take place Friday, July 11, from 5-7pm at The Launchpad, with an artist talk at 5:30pm.
“The Muses Don’t Tell Me Shit”, a solo show by mixed media artist Vallee Noone, will run concurrently (July 11 - August 14) in the first gallery space.
Nature and mystery are the subjects Chad returns to again and again. His artwork explores the idea that there is consciousness in everything. The eye, a potent symbol of awareness, appears frequently in Chad’s work as a way of honoring that shared sentience.
From the artist:
Creating art is how I communicate my unique interpretation of reality. It is not always easy; in fact, the effort it takes can feel heavy. But I hold onto the hope that inspiration will always burn brighter than the resistance. Through my work, I aim not only to share what I see and feel, but also to inspire others to practice “not knowing”—to approach the world with curiosity, openness, and wonder.
Chad Knowles, painter
Carbondale, Colorado
Chad Knowles began his journey as a painter in 2018, following an academic path in engineering that sharpened his attention to detail and structure. Working primarily in oil, with acrylics becoming a recent addition to his practice, Chad’s evolving style reflects a growing affinity for surrealism—a natural extension of his imaginative and introspective nature.
Drawing from photographs of real people, animals, and places he’s encountered in his travels, Chad reinterprets these captured moments in the studio, layering them with personal meaning and dreamlike distortion. His work explores themes of consciousness, the intricate beauty of the natural world, and the profound interconnectedness of all things.
Through his paintings, Chad aims to uplift, provoke thought, and awaken a deeper sense of wonder.
Learn more about Chad at chadknowlesart.com or by following him on Instagram @chadknowlesart.