Hollie Chastain, a talented artist based in Chattanooga, creates vibrant collages using paper, thread, and gouache. Her artwork combines ephemera and found materials to form playful and abstract compositions. Chastain’s recent series was inspired by extraterrestrial themes, which emerged serendipitously during her creative process.

The artist explains, “I was playing around with scraps and some abstract surface design, and it ended up vaguely UFO-shaped, so I ran with it.” This accidental exploration led to a collection of collages that feature UFO-inspired shapes and designs. Chastain’s use of a limited color palette, along with vintage printed materials and maple veneer, adds visual warmth and cohesion to her work.

Each piece in the series is named after a global city where UFO activity has been reported, adding a whimsical touch to the collection. Chastain playfully attributes the inspiration for this series to actor David Duchovny, known for his role in the popular sci-fi TV show, The X-Files.

Currently, Chastain is preparing for a solo exhibition scheduled for late 2025 at Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga. Additionally, her work, including several pieces from the UFO series, can be seen in the exhibition “Moons Out, Goons Out” at Ah Haa School for the Arts in Telluride, Colorado, until November 30. To view more of Chastain’s artwork, visit her website and Instagram profile.

Chastain’s collages showcase her creative use of materials and her ability to transform simple scraps into intricate and visually captivating compositions. With a focus on UFO-inspired shapes and a limited color palette, her artwork invites viewers to explore the intersection of art and imagination.