Introducing Chase Julien
Chase Julien is a fine artist focused on figurative painting based in Lafayette, La. Raised in the small rural village of Loreauville, he enrolled in the talent art program from early elementary through high school. Otherwise, he is a self-taught artist, inspired and influenced by the scenery of his rural hometown, his peers, and early surrealists like Max Ernst and Giorgio de Chirico. Chase’s work typically consists of portraiture and animals with a purpose of exemplifying grace, eloquence, and a degree of mystique, executed in a happy balance between realism, expressionism, and surrealism in the mediums of acrylic paint or ink drawing. Currently working as a Talent Art teacher, Chase has shown work at the Hallway, Creole Gardens Bed&Breakfast, participated in local mural projects, and is currently preparing work for the upcoming Mitoloji Latannyér show at the Capital Gallery.
Who makes up your art circle?
My art circle is comprised of some of my closest friends, family, other local artists and creatives, my colleagues in the Talent Art program, my students, and last but not least, my studio assistant, Theodore the cat.
How do you expand your art circle?
Actually, one of my favourite things to do as an artist is to expand my circle, which I have often done simply through conversation with strangers (I am very passionate about art, so it comes up in my conversations very frequently). Another thing that has been very helpful and instrumental in making connections and expanding my circle is Critique Nites at Basin Arts. I have met many different creatives through that outlet and I just love seeing such a rich diversity of art and artists. I also try to attend as many shows and exhibitions as I can and I have made connections that way. Social media has also been helpful in continuing to expand my circle; I mainly use Instagram as my go-to art social media site.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
The value of a creative community to me is a cyclic one – the creative community provides support for artists and in turn produces more artists. More artists provide more inspiration and fresh ideas that help the creative community continue growing as artists and have a greater impact on the local community as a whole. Support from the creative community comes in so many different forms, all of which have tremendous value. It could be encouragement, ideas, promotion, funding, networking, inspiration, etc. I think it is important that artists have a place to feel at home and have people around them that feel like family.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
My approach can be rather spontaneous and many of my ideas come from just observing my surroundings. I love taking things that are common and recreating them in a dreamy surreal world. A goal I usually have for my artwork is to blend familiar things with mystery and unfamiliar situations or details. I think it provides a fresh feel and a unique perspective for many things we are used to seeing. I think this contributes to the community by inspiring viewers to see more in their surroundings and everyday life and to explore our culture more. I make all my artworks with the hope that it inspires greater creativity as well, whether it be in visual arts or any other creative outlet. Lastly, I make art that I hope resonates with the viewers as well, something they can relate to, something they can remember, something that makes them think and inquire, and at least, something of beauty that will serve as a treat to the eyes.
