About Dee Chandler – Founder & Artist of Butterfly Arts & Co

Profile

Dee Chandler is the visionary founder and creative force behind Butterfly Arts & Co. A self-taught, self-employed freelance artist, Dee began her artistic journey in the 1990s, driven by a profound passion for storytelling through visual art.

At the age of 25, a life-changing trip to Barbados transformed a three-week holiday into several years of immersive creative exploration. Captivated by the vibrant culture and beauty of the Caribbean, Dee began producing expressive watercolour paintings that captured everyday island life. While her travels took her across many Caribbean islands, it was Barbados that inspired the heart of her early collections.

Upon returning to the UK, Dee expanded her artistic lens to include the richness of British lifestyle and culture. This evolution gave birth to Butterfly Arts & Co, a brand that reflects both her Caribbean roots and her British experiences.

Today, Dee continues to share her journey through a growing collection of artwork and culturally inspired products—most notably the Kwanzaa range—designed to celebrate heritage, unity, and community. Through her work, she seeks not only to create beauty, but to inspire generations with the values and stories embedded in her art.