Artist Biography

T. Chick McClure is an intersex photographer in Los Angeles who has crafted a life and career that reflects resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. His pictures and words have been published, podcasted, streamed, televised, and filmed. He was a member of The Groundlings Theatre Sunday Company, and his animation work contributed to a VMA and Latin Grammy Award for Best Animated Music Video. His photographs and writing have been featured in PAPER Magazine, NPR, and other outlets.

He was born the middle child of a military family where his two siblings, one older and one younger, did not survive infancy. Both brothers had severe defects caused by his father's exposure to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. The artist was the only surviving child of the family.

McClure's early childhood was strict and ordered. When McClure's parents divorced, he found himself in the ever-worsening, chaotic environment of his mother's severely hoarded home, filled with animals and garbage, starkly contrasting to his earlier structured life.

Amid this turmoil, McClure clung to his passion for art. Art became his sanctuary and a means of escape from the clutter and chaos that defined his home life. This passion provided solace and paved the way for a brighter future. Recognizing his talent, McClure pursued formal education in the arts, earning a place at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). His time at SAIC honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons, setting the stage for a diverse and successful career.

Upon graduating, McClure relocated to Los Angeles, a city known for its arts scene and opportunities in the entertainment industry. There, he became a Sunday Company Member of the renowned Groundlings Theatre. The improvisational and sketch comedy troupe has been a launching pad for many successful writers and actors. This experience allowed McClure to develop his point of view and performance skills and enriched his artistic expression with humor and visual storytelling. It has influenced his work in photography, as he regularly uses the foundational principles of improvisation when making his captures.

He ventured into animation, contributing to projects that garnered a VMA and Latin Grammy Award for Best Animated Music Video. These accolades underscore his ability to bring stories to life through imagery, cementing his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

Throughout his life, McClure grappled with questions of identity. In 2016, he transitioned, understanding himself to be transgender. His transition was a significant and courageous step in his journey of self-understanding and acceptance. However, in 2024, McClure discovered that he is intersex, a revelation that added a new dimension to his understanding of his identity and his understanding of his family and his relationship to his brothers specifically.

McClure's photography is deeply personal and often explores the intersections of identity, environment, and emotion. His unique background and life experiences imbue his work with a raw authenticity that resonates with viewers. His photographs are not just images; they are narratives that invite viewers to reflect on themselves and the world around them with empathy and sometimes humor.

Despite his challenges growing up, McClure has turned his life experiences into a source of strength and inspiration. His journey from the chaos of a hoarded home to the heights of artistic achievement is a testament to his resilience and determination. McClure's work continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. As he navigates his newfound identity as an intersex individual, his art is a powerful medium for exploration and expression.

T. Chick McClure's life and work celebrate diversity and the transformative power of photographs. His story is of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of what's true. As an intersex photographer, McClure continues to inspire others with his courage, talent, and commitment to authenticity.