Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Hartman.
Chase, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in the surf and skate culture you could say, I remember as a little kid my dad telling me stories of him busting open his head trying to skate pools back in the day in OC. Since then I was on a board pretty much everyday whether it was in the water or pushing around Old Carlsbad skatepark. The older I got, the more things I was exposed to through my interests in these sports. So much creativity flows through them, and I was introduced to so many different types of music, artwork, people, hobbies, and subcultures. I will never forget being mind blown by street artists of the likes of Shepard Fairey and Space Invader, Then going nuts of Ed’s newest Toy machine stuff, and at the same time obsessing over old album covers with Alphonse Mucha inspired art nouveau and psych graphics. That’s when my style “formed” you could say, trying to merge everything I loved into my own personal work. People quickly started picking up on it and I started seeing the stickers and paste-ups I made in my garage all around. From there I decided to start doing charity shows, and they sold out, I started getting more noticed, and more gigs. And here we are now, I’m forever grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Let’s Go.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I do mostly pen and Ink illustrations, but being versatile is something I value and I try and put my hands to work at variety of things. Outlets and mediums such as painting, mural work, relief printing, and graphic design have all been more prevalent as of late, and I am having a blast. My work is inspired by what I’m surrounded by, blends of culture, surfing, books, things I’ve learned, travels, and most importantly to me, music and history. Music is something essential to every piece of work I do, I used to spend hours on YouTube in my garage growing up and just finding new artists and albums while drawing or painting. I do my work for me honestly, and I try and relate the feelings, thoughts, and questions I have through my art. I find that by pushing myself to create something that “no one has ever seen” before always brings me the most joy and I can really find a groove in my work and create things I am proud of. I hope that my creations provoke the viewer to explore more in themselves and the things that they are surrounded by.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I believe that conditions for artists these days are in a new genre that they have never been before. Social media is an amazing tool and allows for so many previously unreached, or unnoticed artists to express themselves and share to literally the entire world. With this also comes a flood of content at all times and it’s easy to get jumbled into whatever is going on. It’s necessary to make something that stands out. I believe that artists that blend natural creativity, skill, and intelligence allow for them to really make a statement for themselves. I think San Diego’s relaxed nature and open-mindedness allow for people with these traits to shine.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Most of my work can be viewed mostly through Instagram and social media at the moment. A website is in the works at the moment and should be launched soon. You can find product through the various vendors and companies I have done commissions for. Also, keep your eyes out for my work and stickers out and about. I like to sneak things on to walls occasionally, always fun to have something up in public. All my shows are announced through social media and various forms of advertisement as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: chase1hartman@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hartchaseman
Image Credit:
Jack Antal
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