Artist Ivy Case on Reliving Childhood Memories Through Her Bold and Expressive Art

Ivy Case is an artist and dancer who combines the wonder of childhood imagination with bold, expressive art. In this interview, Ivy opens up about her journey as both a painter and dancer, and how these two passions allow her to connect with creativity and self-expression. She also talks about her creative process, the inspiration behind her art, and the magic she hopes to evoke through her work. Through her words, we learn how important it is to follow intuition and reconnect with the sense of wonder we often lose as we grow older. Ivy invites us into a space she calls “the in-between,” where reality and imagination blend together.

My name is Ivy, and my work is about curiosity… It has also unintentionally become the guiding principle in my life. The absolute best adventures of my life have unfolded whenever I have followed my intuition and held on tight, even when it has not looked like any other person’s life I could compare to. In an ideal World, I think I could have 50 lives running at the same time and still miss learning everything I would like to learn, because there are so many different expressions of creativity to be captivated by. Both in dance and in painting I like to find the expressive quality within a form and become lost in the process. Creating art for me is about letting go of the perfectionism goblin and allowing intuition to take over. I love creating work that reaches into another realm that is like ours but just a little… off. The art I make is a combination of the seen World and somewhere else at the same time. A somewhere else place I like to call, “the in-between.” The in-between is the place we all know as children but start to forget as we grow up. I like to visualize it as a Universe that runs side by side to ours, one that you can catch glimpses of when fully invested in creating something OR watching a story unfold.

I LIVED in the in-between my entire childhood, like a lot of kids do. The in-between allowed for fairies, grand adventures to lands unknown, flight, time-travel, spirits, mind-reading, and above all… a place of Sanctuary. I did not know back then that creating art was a part of how I fed my heart and could travel to this mystical realm, but that same creative spirit has continued to guide me in the work I’ve continued to create over the last 20 some years. If I could have one HOPE for those who view my work, it is that it speaks to the creative part of your heart and opens a door to another World. I hardly understand what IT is that propels me to make the work that I do, but I believe that most every person craves to find the same wonder and magic that was palpable as a child in everyday life. And I believe the best way to connect with that source is THROUGH honoring the creative process and allowing yourself to play with abandon.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a Wyoming native who now lives in Reno, Nevada with my husband and two dogs. I have been painting the better half of 20 years, but started taking it more seriously in the last 5. I have also been a dancer all of my life. I like to believe that my relationship with both dance and painting is about finding EXPRESSION and utilizing both mediums to connect with the creative “spirit”, so to speak. I work as an artist, a movement instructor, and professional dancer. In terms of painting, I’ve always been drawn to bold colors and the more narrative/surrealist style of painting, and I believe that shows up in my work.

If I could have one HOPE for those who view my work, it is that it speaks to the creative part of your heart and opens a door to another World.

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2. What inspired you to become an artist?

My Mom is who inspired me to become an artist. A creative in her own right, she encouraged me to pursue art as a young person and signed me up for my first life drawing class at 16! I likely would have found my path to creating art regardless, but without her support I imagine it would have taken me longer, and that I would have harbored more self-doubt on if I could make it viable. However, I’ve always been transfixed by art from a young age. I would get lost in children’s book illustrations as a child, murals on city buildings when I would travel, and prints at local coffee shops, wondering how I might get my own vision out into the World. Being an Artist has always seemed like the coolest LIFE a person might have.

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

I like to start with a cup of coffee or tea, a color palette that matches my mood, and a general idea of what I’m aiming to map out on canvas or paper (either lightly drawn on, or quickly sketches on after the first few layers of paint.) Generally I start with loose, expressive marks on a blank surface to create a ground that feels a little less precious and more receptive. When making layers, I usually find that an image will start to emerge that helps to tie in the main subject(s) with the background. I paint until I need a break, or until I can tell that I’m overworking certain areas. I don’t always know when a painting is finished, but I usually get pretty close. If all else fails, I ask my husband for fresh eyes. He’s one of my best critics!

4. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

I’m inspired by beautiful landscapes, dreams, dance, and observing moments in everyday life. I think a lot of my current work is fairly introspective, but it has always changed based on the season of life I tend to be experiencing. I’m inspired by the great artists like Frida Kahlo, Van Gogh and Dali for their commitment to their work and exploration of the subconscious mind. I think fantastic art never goes out of style and continues to inspire and mesmerize people for generations.

I LIVED in the in-between my entire childhood, like a lot of kids do. The in-between allowed for fairies, grand adventures to lands unknown, flight, time-travel, spirits, mind-reading, and above all… a place of Sanctuary.

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5. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

One of my favorite pieces of art in my home is a work by Egon Schiele of a kneeling woman in a red dress. The expression on her face, the positioning of her body, and the vibrancy of her dress all feel spontaneous but so masterfully captured. Schiele was famous for his renderings of women and expressive, dynamic postures of his subjects. I think it holds special meaning because seeing Schiele’s work as a young artist showed me that impactful artwork does not have be photo-realistic or classical in order to speak deeply to its viewer.

Ivy’s art reminds us that there’s beauty in both everyday life and the world of imagination. By sharing her process and inspirations, she encourages us to reconnect with our creativity. Her passion for storytelling and self-expression reminds us to take a moment to appreciate the small, magical details all around us. To learn more about Ivy, visit the links below.