Honoring the Artist: Casey Chalem Anderson

No matter how hard you may try, you can't escape Casy Chalem Anderson's spirit and positive attitude about life. Even over the phone, this week's cover artist is a model of life-affirming thoughts and feelings, a person we wished could generate more individuals like herself to populate the planet. Her cover image, "Immense Cloud," reinforces Ms. Anderson's world-view.

Q: When I first met you, several years ago, you were painting portraits. One you had painted of your son, Brian, was on Dan's cover. People still remember that. And as you watched your son grow up (as I did, too) we also saw your paintings mature. Now, you primarily do landscapes. Why is that?

A: As a child growing up in New York, I was always attracted to the sea. We'd always go to Provincetown in the summers. I just went to Wellesley, Massachusetts, to see my son, who's in college there, and it brought back such wonderful memories of being on the water, being free - and that was 30 years ago.

Q: And here you are in Sag Harbor, still on the water, surrounded by the land you love.

A: Yes, I have a strong connection to nature.

Q: Why else are you attracted to nature and the sea?

A: I feel calm and tranquil looking at the landscape - I want to translate those feelings to the viewer through my art. I feel safe here, on the flat, horizontal land. The eye can survey the landscape with one swoop.

Q: How about your ability to explore things and find new places to paint?

A: I'm so filled up with this place. There's so much to discover, like Acabonac Harbor, Shelter Island and Amagansett.

Q: How about why you like it here in terms of your aesthetics?

A: Here, there are more variations of color coming from the changing seasons and weather. The moisture level effects the light, too. Every day is different.

Q: I can see why there are so many reasons you love this place. How did you find Sag Harbor? You were in California, going to school, before you moved here, right?

A: Yes. I would come to visit friends who lived here year-round. I was awe-struck by the sea when I came here. It gave me inspiration. I knew this place was home.

Q: Do you find painting relaxing? There's so much to get stressed out about here, especially in the summer with all the traffic.

A: Painting does make me slow down. I find painting both stimulating and comforting. It nourishes me, motivates me to make something that never was.

Q: Although the creative process comforts you, you are also focusing on a new format.

A: Yes, I'm working on a new format, the square. I am layering my color also, which is more complex. The use of color is both transparent and opaque. It's like looking through colored glass to the color beneath.

Q: Any last thoughts on living here, near the water?

A: It informs my work, of course, but it would be torture if I didn't live here.

- Marion Wolberg Weiss

Ms. Anderson's website is: www.CaseyArt.com. Her work will be on view in a group show, "Great Places on the East End," at Ashawag Hall from Aug. 31-Sept.3. The opening is Sept.1 from 5-8 p.m.

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