Today we’d like to introduce you to Analisa Chase.
Hi Analisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Long story short…I worked for several government contractors for a long time, got burned out, and wanted to be home with my young children. So, I quit my corporate job and turned into a stay-at-home mom. However, some health issues arose and the doctors told me I needed to find a stress-free hobby; so, I went to the local craft store and bought some canvases, brushes, and paints and started to create whatever came to mind in my makeshift garage studio. Low and behold people stopped in and inquired what I was doing, liked what they saw, and asked if I could paint some things for them (commissions); and I did such a good enough job and found it easy to do – plus make some money to contribute to my family, that I figured I’d make it into a business – which took off in 2016! Of course, there’s a little bit more to what I just stated in this quick background…so if you’re interested in learning more, keep on reading.
To start, I’ve never been classically trained, but I do attribute my artistic abilities and talent to my rich family heritage of self-taught musicians, artists, and craftsmen. I was always encouraged by my parents to express myself in the arts, which I loved and had a passion for. While in school, I received various awards and recognitions; Especially notable was the selection of my piece called “Golden Eagle” which was placed on exhibit at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY. This event was the turning point for my unforeseen future as a professional artist. I was just a kid, so I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but the experience had a lasting impression.
Nonetheless, over the past twenty-plus years respectfully, I have continued to explore different art forms and mediums and expand my skills and knowledge base. Quite often I have and will use my very own life experiences, nature, people, and cultures to guide my artistic visions to the canvas. Bold use of color and textured layers of various media make up my compositions. Because of this, my artwork has found appreciative homes in both the private and commercial sectors.
Ultimately, there isn’t a rhyme, reason, or in-depth thought process when I begin a new composition. I generally let the music play and my brush take over. Whatever the end result, it feels as though it is meant to be. The artwork I create is a combination of what my mind perceives, what my body senses – in a dark and peculiar, yet soft and refined way. Each piece represents a vision, a thought, an emotion, a place or thing in my life’s journey that needed to be expressed or focused on. It’s truly my therapy!
In addition, as in most people’s lives, things don’t always go as planned, and mine is no exception to that rule. I have always struggled with emotions and communication from an early age…and still do. Although having a fantastic upbringing, I was always that shy but not so shy individual. I was and still am socially awkward and weird – in my opinion. Since 1986, I have been battling Meniere’s Disease to date; In addition to this, suffered with postpartum depression after my first child (2008); And then was later diagnosed with Lyme Disease (2009) and Severe Anxiety Disorder and continue to cope with the effects of these today. You could say that I show more through the canvas than in my day-to-day interaction with others. Art has been and still is my coping mechanism. I will never, however, allow myself to give up and be defeated by what life throws at me. My strong faith and determination has led me to where I am today; and while taking one day at a time, thankful and grateful, I get to do what I love!
In general, I have always wondered what my true “calling” was/is. Every person having a gift; something they are able to do to contribute to society in a positive and beneficial manner; Painting…creating…bringing an imaginary beautiful idea to life and sharing that with the world, that’s part of mine!
Overall, being an abstract and representational realistic multi-media artist (that’s a mouthful) has been an amazing journey thus far. And being a current resident of Bluffton, SC (a hop, skip, and a jump from Hilton Head Island) with my husband, two boys, and rescue dogs living out our dream near the water, it has been a true blessing in every way possible!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Easy answer, NO – it’s not been a smooth ride! Being an artist is not an easy occupation. You’re constantly competing against yourself in many ways – the list can be quite extensive actually. People are always critiquing your work – good, bad, ugly, whatever…everyone having an opinion; and you have to learn to be gracious, understanding, and have a thick skin. Art is after all subjective. Don’t allow yourself to succumb to family and friends asking for freebies…your materials, skills, and time have a cost so don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. If you create art as a hobby that’s a different story, but if you’re really trying to run a business, then RUN A BUSINESS and be the boss!!!
Making a name for yourself, a brand, amongst what’s already out there in the world is difficult. It takes time, money, energy, skill, research, marketing, and on occasion blood sweat, and tears. You are always reading up on the latest social media crazes (which can be a blessing and a curse all in one), wanting to make your posts/stories, etc. “perfect”. And when you think you have it down pat, something new is always coming along and making what you have done seem obsolete. The best thing I found is to just be original and true to your own style and not worry about what everyone else is doing. Your friends and family are your best ally to get the word out about your work. Word of mouth is a very powerful asset. Especially, on their social media too!
I ultimately wish there was a simple equation you could put toward becoming a promising successful artist. In all reality, there certainly isn’t one and it’s just being consistent and confident in your own work that will get you and your brand of art out there; and do your research!!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My Creative Process – Well, I have to say it’s not an exact science for me. I’m constantly evolving as an artist, learning new skills and techniques. Mostly observing and gathering information from those I see as mentors in the art realm or who seem to have it all pulled together! I have a very active imagination, which means a thought comes and goes, my emotions change on a dime and my brush to canvas has no guidelines to follow (unless using reference photos for a particular subject).
The Tools & The Space – I’m a free-style painter…meaning, I kinda slap paint on the canvas and see where it ends up (for my abstracts that is). I do however gesso my surfaces (whatever I’m using) even the pre-primed ones. I normally tone the canvas (an under painting), and then start on the project. I use mediums with my paints and I varnish my painting(s) when completed, but only if they are being sold or going in a gallery. I work in my home studio on tables, easels, walls & floor. My favorite materials are Royal & Langnickel and Princeton brushes, Liquitex and Golden paints, a color wheel, and a cup of coffee.
Letting Go – When I paint my mind is free, it’s solace, in a zen-like essence. My entire body is engulfed in the canvas and transforms me into an alternative space of mind. That is all! I literally go with the flow!
Mood & Music – Mood is everything in a painting, especially in creating a new piece of artwork. I choose music based on how I feel. This creates my flow – the vibes to which help pick my color palette and eventually what transpires on the canvas as far as subject matter (If there is one).
Overall, I dabble in a little bit of everything so I don’t get burned out. I paint anything from wildlife, seascapes, portraits, to random objects…I invite different subject matters, and I truly love to paint in many styles from abstraction to representational realism, even hyperrealism at times. Being proud of what I create is one thing, but seeing the reaction on my customers’ faces when they receive a piece of art that moves them emotionally – now that’s epic and goes much further than just being proud. And I’m an individual who is already unique, so my way of creating isn’t like anyone else…I’m already standing apart from others in that regard.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Creating matters most to me, and second to that – what my artwork invokes with my customers. I create to spread joy to others. It’s my therapy and my calling to do what I do. The gift that I possess, that was provided to me, isn’t something I can keep to myself.
Pricing:
- Commissioned work starts at $300 and goes up with size and complexity.
- My original artwork ranges from $25 on up into the several thousands.
- Giclee prints are available on both canvas and paper for a more affordable purchase, but just as nice as an original piece.
Contact Info:
- Email: analisachasefineart@gmail.com
- Website: www.analisachasefineart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/analisachasefineart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/analisachasefineart
Image Credits
Analisa Chase Fine Art
