Q&A: A Big Fat Saturated Colorful Art Show

Woodmere’s Community Enrichment Mini-Center will host an art opening on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. with Woodmere-based artist Amy Chace. Patch spoke with her about her art and the show.

How would you describe your art?

My art tends to be happy and life affirming. Big fat saturated colors normally. Although this show is a bit different — this show is mainly black, red, gold and white. Usually, my textures are subtle. For this show, though, the texture is like big fat bubbles and swirls and very sculptural.

I tend to draw women and faces. I feel faces are everything. I don't really care about bodies. I care about eyes and hair and lips. 

Some people think of my work as being Indian inspired or Asian inspired, and those things aren't untrue. I love the colors in both those various cultures. As a matter of fact, my next series will be a nod to Chinese culture with a modern flair.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

I love Miro. I love Mondrian. I love Picasso. I love Egon Schiele. I love Klimt.

Has the Five Towns helped shape your art in any way?

Yes. I moved here from Manhattan. I am different. I have spiky hair and am a punk. I was an outsider in more than one way. I was an outsider in appearance and religion. I turned even more attention toward my work. My apartment here, however, is much smaller than the one I had in the city, so I have to work outside most of the time.

Being outside, I got to add more mediums to my creative arsenal — like spray paint and expanding foam insulation. These products I fell in love with, and obviously it has added to my work.

What should people expect at Thursday's opening?

People should expect to fall in love with me and my work and to buy my work. Nothing is priced over $49. Most pieces are $20. Some are $10. I am going to sell them right off the wall, then replace the whole show with more work.

Also, there will be wine so I expect some brilliant conversation mixed in with stupid remarks. I expect that the party will spill outside and later go down the street.

Why should they come check it out?

Because my work is collectible and affordable — and because art is important. I don't have a TV; I look at my art.  It is a good way to let your mind wander and come up with new ideas and projects. Art helps inspires that. Also, people may make new friends and connections and that is also important.

What do you do outside of your art?

I sleep. I like to eat pasta, but I shouldn't. I vacuum cat hair. I work part-time at Trader Joe's, which is a great place to work. I am also the lead singer of a new band called SuperFunFacePunch, which is a mix of punk, groove, rock, hardcore, and one ballad for balance. 

Would you like to add anything else?

I would like everybody to know two things. One — I do commissions. So if you like something, but want it to look a little more like your aunt, I could maybe do that. And two — please come and have fun. Have a glass of wine or two. I would love to meet you.