Chameleon-arts.com
(First published on the 4th October 1996)

Chameleon Design started out as a business name I gave to the freelance graphic/ illustration work I did whilst studying for my degree at Edinburgh College of Art College (1987-91). Named initially because I like the band 'The Chameleons' but also because I felt the nature and variety of my work suited the nature of the animal and even more so now that the site plays host to over twenty professional artists with a huge diversity of creative skills.

chameleon
Chameleon \Cha*me"le*on\ (k[.a]*m[=e]"l[-e]*[u^]n), n. [L.Chamaeleon, Gr. chamaile`wn, lit., ``ground lion;'' chamai`on the ground + le`wn lion. See {Humble}, and {Lion}.A lizardlike reptile of the genus {Cham[ae]leo}

the chameleon is an extremely versatile lizard with a number of unique natural talents. It has the ability to adapt itself to suit changing environments, It has an unparallered sense of colour and 360 degree vision (with the ability to look in two different directions at once). It is also careful, methodical and sure-footed, yet can be lightning fast and accurate when it comes to hitting targets distance is no object.

At art college I noticed a lot of highly talented people putting all their efforts into their final year degree show. This was their big chance to meet future employers, be noticed by galleries and to sell work or gain commissions. Equally this was the only time the public, galleries or agencies had the chance to see these artists' work.

The degree shows, however only last for two weeks and then the artists take down their work, leave college and go off to try to make it on their own. The sad fact is, many talented people then pursue altogther different careers which seems like a tragic waste to me.

I had thought about how useful it would be if the art college was a business and the artists provided a service to the public all year but it wasn't until the internet came along that it could become a reality.

Chameleon-arts.com is a way to provide an unlimited exhibition space accessible on-line at anytime. Allowing artists the opportunity to show their work to a world-wide market of art lovers, clients, buyers, agencies, galleries or future employers - always.

This website has benefits for everyone. Anyone can resource talent from a wide pool of professional artists to; buy a painting, a one-off piece of designer furniture or jewellery- commission a stained glass window to the dimensions you need. Or to commision designers, illustrators website designers and photographers- almost anything is possible- just ask

Chameleon-arts.com offers a unique service because the customer has a greater choice and can ask for what they want rather than making do with what they can find (or not) in a high street shop.

Chameleon-arts.com exhibits work from some already well-established names and includes work from international artists from around the globe, Many have gained sales or commissions through the site and a result there have been many satisfied customers.

I am very proud of this site and the high standard of work on display and I believe it to be a site of real worth and significance. I hope you agree and enjoy visiting this site. (Please bookmark this site as there is a lot to see!)

Chameleon-arts.com is ten years old and I intend to keep this site spiralling onwards and upwards, adding more artists and extending the range of services offered. Giving an even greater choice to visitors and more exposure for the participating artists.  

Best Wishes
Gavin Bonnar
(Site Author)