Luna Hennessey is a queer, disabled artist. She paints portraits of pet companions in illustrated vignettes combining elements of nature and capturing pet personalities in expressive moments.
She recognizes and is grateful to be living on the unceded land and territory of the hən̓̓qəmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples (also known as Burnaby, BC, Canada).
As a survivor of childhood cancer and a myriad of other health issues, Luna has always used her art as a means of healing and self-expression. She is a self-taught artist who accredits much of her inspiration to her mother and her high school art teacher, Mrs. Yamaoka, who gave her the space she needed to flourish as an artist as well as introduced her to her preferred medium – acrylic ink and paints.
At the beginning of 2019 Luna commemorated her beloved pet rabbit Bijou, who had passed away, in a portrait surrounded with raspberry leaves, clovers, and bumblebees; Some of Bijou’s favourite things. The passion she poured into the project garnered her attention and drew interest from other pet owners. Animals have always been an important part of Luna’s life and being able to paint for other people brings her joy.
All pet portraits are acrylic paint on wood canvas. Painting on wood helps keep the foundation of the artwork grounded in natural roots and ushers the essence of nature into the client’s homes. With the ever-changing landscape brought on by Climate Change, however, she will be looking into better ways to source her materials.
In 2009 Luna held an independent art show at the Douglas Reynolds Art Gallery in Vancouver, BC, where she auctioned her art raising $20,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Luna is always finding ways to give back to the community that supported her and her family during one of the
As part of her healing process, Luna changed her name from Chelsey Bigland. Her transformation began in 2016 when she married her husband. “Luna” means moon and to Luna, the moon represents constant change and adaptation, which she embraces as natural and beautiful. The name Luna captures the spirit of the artist and has been a part of her healing journey. Some of her older artworks may still be signed as Chelsey but she does not go by that name.
Taking inspiration from Bob Ross, Luna used to live streams her painting on Twitch. She had hoped to bring her audience joy and inspiration with a dose of the confidence they need to create their own art. She radiates kindness and builds a global artistic community founded on compassion. Though not streaming anymore, she still has an art discord server that is open to everyone!
If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait of your beloved companion, please contact Luna here so you can find out more about her process and save yourself a space on her waitlist.
