Posted by Curry S. on Jan 23rd 2020
Featured Artist: Jason Chase
Jason Chase is a Somerville-based artist and the first to use Singularity Black. Singularity black is the blackest black paint available on the market and the first Carbon Nanotube paint available to anyone and everyone. Primarily an oil painter, Jason's work has expanded to sculpture, installation, fashion and kinetic sculpture in the past year.
Design Week installation at Laconia Gallery, Boston 2018
Artist & Craftsman Supply: Did you go to school for art/what is your background?
Jason Chase: I went to BU for my Master’s in Fine Art. My family was not in the arts, I proudly come from a long line of plumbers and mechanics. I’ve been painting and showing professionally for 20 years now, I started very young in Colorado.
Left: Big Black Mariah #2, Gravity Black On Canvas, 42” x 50” 2018 | Right: Big Black Mariah #1, Gravity Black On Canvas, 42” x 50” 2018
A&C: Do you have a favorite artist/piece of art?
JC: Many, But I’ve always had a love of Turner, his works were what really made me fall for painting. I’ve always thought the Slave Ship was one of the best pieces of art on Earth. Its depth of meaning, as well as its technical genius, makes it such a strong piece firing on all cylinders. I also have a deep love of Warhol for his intelligence and what he made possible, Rosenquist for his aesthetic and Duchamp for all of the doors his work opened.
J.M.W. Turner | Slave Ship | 1840 | Oil on Canvas | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
A&C: What drew you to art initially?
JC: I was always good at it, and as I grew it just became more and more interesting to me technically and intellectually. Seeing a strong painting is still one of my favorite experiences, trying to make them is a monstrous challenge that never bores me, there’s always more to learn. Then when artworks are finished the interaction they have with people, there really is nothing like it.
A&C: What is your go-to album/artist right now (in the studio)?
JC: I’ve been listening to Royal Blood a lot, and I’m always shuffling through 90s hip-hop and 60’s Jazz. When I’m working at the Lab, we have Funky Fridays and crank James Brown.
Left: The Blackest Little Black Dress on Earth, Singularity Black on Cotton. Jason Chase in collaboration with Taryn Johnson.
Right: Gravity Black Oil Paint, a hue-less matte black paint made from carbon nanotubes from NanoLab.
A&C: What do you like most about Artist & Craftsman Supply?
JC: Sometimes going to an art store can be like going to a record shop back in the day when the person at the register would judge you for your purchases…know what I mean? A&C is not that. I’ve seen amateurs and students walk through and the people at the store know what they are talking about and help. Also, the selection is great.
A&C: What’s one thing you can’t leave an art store without buying?
JC: White paint and Gesso. I’m always low or out.
A&C: How has your practice changed over time?
JC: Well instead of just making oil paintings the last year has really expanded my identity as an artist. I now feel like a full-blown creative like many of my idols. I’m not only making 3d works but I’m collaborating and using technologies I never have before. I not only work with NanoLab as their artist in residence, I’m also working with Tethon in Nebraska for my 3d ceramic prints, and Fabtron here in Massachusetts for my laser cut stainless steel silhouettes. I’m now officially in the fashion realm with my collaboration with Taryn Johnson and we made the “Blackest Little Black Dress on Earth”. It’s been a head-spinning year and I love it all.
Left: Black Star, Singularity Black
Right: The ACME Portable Hole, available in 3 sizes, singularity black on vinyl.
A&C: What inspires you?
JC: My own life and surroundings. I like to look at my own memories both positive and negative and think of visual ways to express them. Everything I make is some sort of story about my past. Most of the time I don’t mind if the viewers don’t know the story, so they can bring what they want to it.
A&C: What is your favorite place to visit where you live?
JC: That’s easy, Highland Kitchen, right around the corner from my house in Somerville. Been going there for years for good food and awesome cocktails, I sound like an ad for it but I don’t care, it’s great. Everyone should go there if you’re in town. Oh, also, I painted their back door. Make sure to check that out as you leave.
Highland Kitchen Back Door
Thanks to Jason for this great interview! If you want to check out more of his work head over to his website. You can also find him on Facebook and Instagram. Do you have an artist you would like to see featured on our blog? Tell us more! Email us with an artist you’re interested in learning more about.