Criss Chaney was born in Seattle, Washington, where she first learned to work with stained glass. After high school she moved to San Francisco to study at California College of the Arts, where she discovered the magic of molten glass. There, she won a scholarship to go to Pilchuck Glass School, where she continues to spend her summers. In 2004 she made the leap across the Atlantic and moved to England to finish her degree at the University of Sunderland.

For three years she has been developing a new technique where she combines glass and metals, exploiting techniques for working with both materials. Her pieces make people question their views on glass and push the boundaries between glass and other media. Her objects always have interior and exterior space for the viewer to enjoy and interact with.

She now makes her work in Sunderland where she has founded her own business creating contemporary glass sculptures. She has completed commissions for Sunderland City Council and HSBC Bank. She is currently treasurer for Creative Cohesion as well as exhibiting internationally. She plans to keep traveling around the world gaining inspiration, and working alongside world-class artists.