Albuquerque, New Mexico native Carney received his Bachelor of Fine Art in Advertising Art with a minor in English from the University of Texas and worked as an art director before coming to Phoenix and resuming his passion for fine art. Carney credits the natural world and the many creative thinkers who surround him daily as the greatest influence to his art. He is inspired by the work of Frank Stella, Vernon Fisher and Eric Fishel for the narrative story-telling quality in their expression.