Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Joy Chase.
Hi Andy Joy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Combining my love for plants and music through art has always come naturally to me. I was always drawing at a young age, and it was through my grandma’s garden that I learned how to work hard and appreciate the violas growing and the bounty that came from the vegetable plants. I took as many art classes as I could through school, and it was a high school teacher that dusted off some ancient silkscreens for me, and taught me how to use them. The quick process and using line work to replicate a drawing really spoke to me. I continued to take printmaking courses in college, and ended up with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting and printmaking. I eventually fell into to the Salt Lake music scene and found out about a local artist, and lovely, talented human, Leia Bell. Leia had been screen printing “gig” posters for bands locally and internationally and I was lucky enough to become one of her in studio helpers. I eventually did some gig poster art of my own, and ended up managing the frame shop and gallery store called Signed and Numbered that Leia had opened with her partner. As much as I love an art setting, my heart seems to always go back to plants. Working on a small CSA farm, called B.U.G.(Backyard Urban Garden) Farms, volunteer work with G.U.L.B.(Green Urban Lunchbox), odd greenhouse jobs and finally at a full-time horticulture position at Red Butte Garden. Through all the art, I have always had some kind of plant job that I loved on the side.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The interesting forms, movements and unique parts of plants influence my artwork. I am in awe of nature and the subtle complexity of all that surrounds me, however, I have found being an artist and horticulturist is difficult to balance. I have had many days of working hard in the soil, and often in extreme temperatures to turn around and screen print at my studio into the night.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My process starts with large piece of paper and a twig from a tree and Sumi Ink. After the drawing is complete, I transfer the image onto a silkscreen, which I can then print on paper or found wood scraps, etc. It took me a long time to figure out how to wrangle my messy, and wild style in a mixed media way while using found wood and other materials. The outcome isn’t always very clean, surfaces can be rough and registration can be tricky for the screen-printing process.
What matters most to you?
As an artist l love to depict nature and the wild west because it is important to me. I also feel that I can bring awareness to the importance of preserving and protecting nature to the viewer through my work. I always use minimal packing, and water-based inks, and reuse paper and other materials when I can. I often use wood scraps and reclaimed materials that would ordinarily be trash. As a horticulturist, I want to continue giving back to Earth by taking care of it and the creatures that live here. Being surrounded by plants is fuel for my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: andyjoychase.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: anyjoychase
