John Chinn

John Chinn was born in Galveston, Texas in 1951 where his parents were living while his father was attending medical school. He also grew up in Colorado City, Texas, left for college at A&I University in Kingsville, TX for a year and from there attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, graduated in 1976 with a BFA in Art.

John worked around Texas in a nomadic way for a few years working in construction while still pursuing art. When he returned to Lubbock in the 90’s, John was dedicated to his art making and finally knew his method.

This one semester job turned into something that has lasted for eighteen years until John’s retirement in May of 2017. Though it was a wonderful job, teaching him a lot about himself and others, John knew it was time to get back to art.

“I was lucky to have continued to concentrate on my art during my time teaching at Tech, because it’s what I am and what I choose to do. The best way to inspire students to make art is to show them that it’s not just a job, it’s a commitment, and that it can be done as a professional occupation. I loved teaching art, and I’m an artist first and foremost. I have been a very lucky person by being stubborn in my choice of work. Because of that, I have achieved a certain satisfaction in my life.  Being retired means I’m free to get to work.” - John Chinn