Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Dearring.
Hi Chase, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Chase Dearring. I grew up in Southfield, MI and have always had a love for art. I’ve always considered myself to be an artist, as I’ve been creating art since I can remember (I’d say since I was about 4 years old). Throughout my life I’ve primarily been a sketch artist, typically drawing anything from superheroes to scenery to doodles/abstract. I’d drawing with anything I could get my hands on, but usually with pen or pencil. Over the years I’ve also expanded into painting, digital art, mixed media, and other forms.
For a long period of time, I would be commissioned to draw tattoo, shirt, and banner designs. I’d create for individuals and organizations I was a part of. Though I’ve been an artist all my life, my professional life has been spent as an engineer. Quite honestly, I wasn’t dedicating nearly as much time to creating as I needed to, But, I slowly allowed myself to get reacquainted with my 1st love!
I very gradually took to painting in order to elevate my skills. I’m a self-taught artist, in the sense that I don’t have classical/traditional training. Most of what I’ve learned has been through trial and error or an individual showing me some tricks. I began teaching myself different methods with painting, slowly advancing to different sized canvases and types of painting. It moved from chaotic to having some sort of flow. But, I still wasn’t creating as regularly as I was meant to, which I learned back in 2022.
In 2022, My wife suggested I designated at least one night per week to painting, which increased my creation frequency. Then, the mother of one of my close college friends, told me about the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club, which meets every Monday at 5:00pm at Marygrove College. I hadn’t been part of an art community, so I was intrigued. Before I made it to my 1st meeting, I was out and ran into one of my childhood friends, who knows me for being an artist in school. Long story short, he gave me the 3rd degree for having the artist in me, but NOT pursuing BEING an artist! That hit hard! That was the last motivation needed to push me closer towards, what I know to be, my destiny!
Needless to say, I quick made my way to my 1st DFABC meeting (10/31/2022). I didn’t know much about showing my work, how to talk about or price my art. I learned a lot at my 1st meeting and I was instantly drawn (LOL) in! I went from making every other meeting, to ensuring I’m present every week. I gain so much inspiration, exposure, motivation, and so many connections from every meeting. I’m now a faithful member and have gotten to expose more of my DNA because of the DFABC! I’ve made a stronger commitment to my art and now have a website (www.artbychasedearing.com). I’m very proud to tap into my passion and create as I was mean to!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t been smooth. I’ve had times where I wavered away from my true passion, just because I wasn’t truly in the space and environment that would cultivate and inspire my talents. Honestly, I didn’t even know how to get into the space, largely due to me being distracted to the point that I didn’t seek it out. When I was applying for colleges, I was attempting to go one of two routes. Either Engineering or Art/Design. I didn’t get accepted into any art schools, I believe, because my portfolio wasn’t very strong at the time. Honestly, that was a bit discouraging, and I think that pushed me deeper in the direction of Engineering. But, I believe all things happen for a reason. Now, I’m successfully pursuing art as a second career. Hopefully, full-time one day!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a painter! More often, utilizing acrylic paints on canvases. I’ve emersed myself in a genre referred to as Social Realism. I’m usually capturing images that convey some type of profound message. Currently, I’m continuing a long series of orange and purple paintings that display the contrast between and deep cool color and a bright warm one. These were the colors in my wedding, my favorite color is orange and my wife’s favorite is purple. With that said, I’m working towards my very 1st Solo Show/Exhibition.
I’m very proud to currently have a painting feature in the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History in Detroit as part of the Luminosity Exhibition, which has been on display for over a year now! I’ve been part of other shows at the CARR Center and the Scarab Club, all in the museum district/area in Downtown Detroit. What sets me apart, right now, is my color pallet. The orange and purple really stand out among other works. I want to continue to let my own vibrance and voice shine through my work!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People are usually somewhat surprised by my age more than anything. It’s usually assumed that I’m several years younger than I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbychasedearring.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbychasedearring
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chase.dearring
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artbychasedearring
