Molly Chidsey stands in a forest smiling with pink hair and a pink jacket. She has a calligraphy gold necklace that says Molly.

Hi, I’m Molly.

I am a painter, illustrator, calligrapher and teacher.
I use ink and paint to transform your words, ideas and truths into something tangible that you can see, feel, and touch.

An illustration of a swirling green vine with leaves by Molly Chidsey.
A woman (Molly Chidsey) with pink hair and a pink jacket holds a sketchbook containing green-and-white ink-and-watercolor botanical illustrations.
A pair of hands holds an Oregon White Oak gall and a small glass bottle of Oak Gall ink.

Why I do this

Like you, I’m on a journey from the person who I thought I should be to who I am becoming.

I spent 20 years working in large organizations where it was my job to manage change. That meant I spent a lot of my energy saying what I thought people wanted to hear, rather than what I really wanted to say. I was exhausted.

My wake-up call came after a health crisis temporarily took my ability to use my eyes for more than a few hours a day. As my health stabilized, I realized that I needed to pursue a dream I put aside years ago. I went to art school in my mid-40’s, taking classes on nights and weekends while working full-time.

It took me a while, but I finally found my own voice. I had silenced it for so many years by trying to please others. 

Now, I’m an artist with a passion for amplifying your creative voice. 

I believe in a future where we are visible, believed, seen, and heard.

Read more about my story on my blog.

Portrait photos credit: the amazing STUDIO NUNCHI.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I have lived in Portland, Oregon with my partner Tony for over 20 years. When I’m not getting ink on my hands, you can find me in my garden, playing with my Maltese puppy Milo, or watching movies with my family.

An illustration of a swirling green vine with leaves by Molly Chidsey.
A woman (Molly Chidsey) with pink hair smiles while holding a small, white, fluffy Maltese puppy.