Chandler O'Leary - Greater Tacoma Community Foundation

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Chandler O'Leary

Chandler O'Leary: www.anagram-press.com

Chandler O’Leary is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), with a BFA in Illustration and a year in Rome under her belt. Her work includes artist books, illustration, graphic design, textiles, letterpress printing, and drawing, to name a few. Her books and prints are collected and exhibited internationally. Chandler lives and creates art full-time in Tacoma, Washington.

Describe your work as an artist: I am a book artist and letterpress printer; handwork (lettering, sewing, binding, drawing, etc.), illustration and typography are key elements of my work.

Describe the importance of “community” to either you as a person or as an artist: I rely on my artistic colleagues for inspiration, support and in many cases collaboration. For me at least, it is not possible to create art in a vacuum; having access to creative people and their work is extremely important.

What has been inspiration for you in your work: Most of my inspiration comes from direct observation of the world around me, largely in the form of sketchbooks that I keep regularly. These books are not only the basis for my studio work; they become finished works in their own right.

Describe the Tacoma/Pierce County art community: I've lived in Washington for less than a year, but I have found the artistic community to be extremely hard-working, close-knit and supportive. I have found a very warm and inspiring welcome here.

How do you see the Tacoma/Pierce County art community changing: I think that as costs increase in Seattle, the creative population will shift southward. So with the increase in transplants and the already impressive support for the arts at the public level, I can definitely see the art community growing and opportunities increasing.