Interview
Casey Lerner
Casey Lerner primarily works with acrylic paint. His artistic inspirations include balance, motion, and color. Although Casey has been painting since the age of five, he became much more serious about his craft when he was fifteen. Since making his first well-executed painting, titled "Stormy River” during his freshman year in high school back in 2020 which drew attention from his peers, Casey has shown his work at a variety of markets, shows, and auctions in his hometown.
Casey has drawn profound inspiration from Earth's natural beauty, his personal wisdom on life, and the interplay of color and movement over the course of his life. Casey painted a diverse range of art that caught the eye of the community of Weston, Connecticut, as the years passed, establishing a name for himself. He sold his first painting for $30 at a local vendor's market in late 2021. Following this landmark, Casey's work gained traction, and his audience started to grow. Casey consistently sold out at each show where he displayed his works after the initial sale. He is now selling his art on a regular basis, solidifying his presence and continuing to make a name for himself in the art industry.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember - it was my favorite thing to do as a kid. Being able to pursue a career in the art world and turn something I’ve loved for so long into my life’s work is honestly such a blessing. I’ve always been a really curious person, and I think curiosity naturally leads to creativity. My very first painting was a goldfish underwater that I made in preschool, and looking back at that compared to where I am now, it’s amazing to see where and how far art has taken me. As I grew up, I spent a lot of time experimenting with all types of different mediums and techniques in the studio. Then, when I was around 15, I started getting really serious about abstract art, and that’s when everything shifted for me. What I’m creating now is the result of years of practice and exploration, but I still feel like every session in the studio is an opportunity to try something new and push myself further. That’s one of the things I love most about art - it’s this endless journey of discovery.”
What inspires you?
“My main inspirations for my art come from five core elements: balance, motion, sound, color, and nature. These serve as the foundation for everything I create, but inspiration can come from almost anywhere. Sometimes, it’s as simple as noticing a unique color combination on someone’s outfit or an idea sparked by a fleeting moment. If you look at my work, you’ll notice I lean toward classy, timeless color palettes, with gold being a consistent feature. There’s something about gold that feels both elegant and dynamic - it’s become a signature in my art. Motion is especially significant to me, not just in the subjects I explore but also in the process itself. Whether it’s something I see in motion that sparks an idea or the act of moving around the studio, motion plays a critical role in how I create. Music is another major influence. It’s like a direct line to my creativity, often shaping the mood and direction of my paintings. And then there’s nature - its organic, fluid beauty is endlessly inspiring and often finds its way into my work. Ultimately, everything comes back to those five inspirations. They’re the lens through which I view and interpret the world, and they guide me as I bring my ideas to life on canvas.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The theme I pursue in my art is one that feels both luxurious and open. I don’t focus on a single, specific theme, but rather, the overarching message of my work is to challenge the rules and push boundaries. One of the main reasons I’ve adopted the style I work in is to inspire others to bring something new to the table. I want people to feel empowered to stand out, to embrace what makes them unique, and to wear their individuality with pride - like it’s something to celebrate and showcase.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as classy and elegant with a touch of wisdom. I strive with every painting I make to create something beautiful yet simple that people can connect with on a deeper level.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The artists who influence me the most are Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, and Simon Berger. Each of them has had a profound impact on both me and the art world. Whether it’s their distinctive styles, their relentless work ethic, or the way they've shaped the culture around them, they continue to inspire me. For the past few years, I’ve dreamt of reaching a point in my career where I can have the same kind of influence and leave a lasting mark, just like they have.”
“I would describe my work as classy and elegant with a touch of wisdom. I strive with every painting I make to create something beautiful yet simple that people can connect with on a deeper level.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is all about refining and perfecting the colors before they ever touch the canvas - especially the color gold. The approach I take really depends on the specific painting I’m working on, but I can walk you through a few examples. For instance, with Golden Splatter, the process starts by defining the exact shade and consistency of the gold paint I want to use. I spend a lot of time getting it just right - creating the perfect density and consistency before I begin. Once that’s set, I lay the canvas on a tarp and carefully splatter the gold paint across the surface in specific areas, making sure the gold is balanced and evenly distributed. It’s a repetitive process, but each splatter is intentional, creating the texture and feel I’m aiming for. For something like Ethereal, the process is a bit different. I pour a puddle of paint onto the canvas, then work with the colors I’ve planned, manipulating them into swirling designs. Once I’ve shaped the paint, I pick up the entire canvas and move it around, allowing the colors to mix and flow together into a marble-like effect. Every piece of my work takes hours, meticulous planning, and a great deal of patience. But each hour, every minute, every second, is spent with a razor-sharp focus until the painting feels like it’s truly complete.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is to function as individuals who experience the world through an elevated understanding of all five senses. Artists are inherently creative people, and their expression goes far beyond just painting, drawing, or sculpture. Being an artist is a calling, not a choice. The role of an artist is to inspire those who feel uninspired, challenge conventions, and stand out as leaders in creativity. Artists have the power to break the rules and reshape how we see and experience the world around us, acting as trailblazers in the cultural landscape. Stay true to the craft, and spill your soul onto your work, the world needs it.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I've exhibited at Auctions, Vendor Markets, Artist markets, Juried Exhibitions and more. But an exhibition that is definitely note-worthy is my most recent exhibition at my college, Western Connecticut State University where I had 3 great works that introduced my style to the school. The exhibition was up in the Robert S. Young Library there for the whole Fall 2024 semester.”
Website: caseylernerart.artcall.org
Instagram: @casey.lerner
