My name is Sydnie Willey. I am an oil painter based in Western Nebraska. I began working with oil paints 8 years ago while in high school, on my own on my bedroom floor. After high school, I majored in Psychology at WNCC and took oil painting classes as my elective. From there, I moved to Lincoln, NE where I worked in substance use rehabilitation facilities and continued painting for fun.

At the beginning of 2024, I quit my job to pursue art as a full time career. I was involved in the local emerging artists scene and showcased my work at Parish Studios with my friends. A year later, I moved back to my hometown to continue my practice. I lived in the back of a metaphysical shop for a few months before moving into an abandoned house where I lived for 6 months. I now live in my own home that I fixed up in Mitchell, NE and continue my passion for art from my home.

I use art to tell stories of my own subjective experiences. My art is influenced by my background in psychology, my Czech heritage, my rural upbringing, and my experiences of living with PTSD. I hope to use art as a community building tool and as a safe space for others who have similar lived experiences as me.