About Me

CJSNOTHERE

I’m Cheyan Metcalfe, but most people know me as CJ, the name behind CJSNOTHERE (pronounced “CJ-S-NOT-HERE”). The name is a play on my nickname, and it reflects the idea that even if I’m not present, my art is. My work speaks for me, telling stories that live beyond the canvas.

Born in St. Louis and shaped by the creative rhythms of Dallas and Los Angeles, my journey as an artist began at Hollywood High School, where I first discovered my voice through the canvas.

I’m a self-taught portrait artist with a deep love for Black culture and visual storytelling. My art is inspired by the unforgettable eras of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, from classic Black cinema and legendary musicians to the animated worlds that shaped a generation. Each piece blends vibrancy, rhythm, and nostalgia, capturing not just likeness but memory and emotion.

Since 2019, I’ve created work that goes beyond traditional canvas, from personal commissions and family portraits to original designs transformed into lifestyle products. My mission is to make art accessible, so you can wear it, live with it, and carry a story wherever you go.

Disclaimer: All artwork featured under CJSNOTHERE is 100% original and created solely by me. My pieces are not reproductions, replicas, or copyright infringements of any existing works. Each design is my own intellectual property.

Thank you for supporting my journey. When you shop here, you’re not just buying a product, you’re carrying a piece of my story.