About Lynn Chase
A native of New York, Lynn Chase graduated from Bennett College and completed her studies at the New York School of Interior Design.
In the 1970s she traveled extensively throughout Africa while sketching and photographing wildlife. A self-taught painter, Lynn Chase displayed her paintings in one-woman and group-exhibitions at galleries across the country and abroad throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1988, Lynn Chase launched Lynn Chase Designs. One of her first patterns, Jaguar Jungle, continues to be a best seller. Building upon continued success, she now offers over two dozen designs, including eleven complete dinnerware collections and a wide assortment of giftware and accessories. Lynn Chase remains the sole designer and guiding force behind her company.
Also in 1988 she founded the Lynn Chase Wildlife Foundation(LCWF), an independent, non-profit organization which promotes the preservation of wildlife and the environment on a global scale. A portion of the proceeds of Lynn Chase Designs are generously donated to LCWF.
In addition to her leading role at the Lynn Chase Wildlife Foundation, she is involved with the African Wildlife Leadership Foundation, Game Conservation International, New York Zoological Society and the World Wildlife Fund
Lynn Chase lives and maintains her design studio in New York City.
Interview with Lynn Chase
Have you ever been on Safari?
Not only have I been on 7 safaris, I've traveled extensively all throughout Africa in countries which include South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Congo and others. I lived in South Africa from 1969-1973.
What was your first drawing?
My first drawing was of a leopard when I was five. My mother thought it was a spotted dog.
When did you first start to draw?
I started to draw at five...no training.
What is the Lynn Chase Wildlife Foundation?
Lynn Chase Wildlife Foundation (LCWF) protects endangered species around the world and their fragile
ecosystems. This entails focusing on a charismatic species which will then not
only protect their environment but the subspecies on the food chain. LCWF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated.
Who are your role models?
As I grew up I painted with my great grandmother. My grandmother was an ornithologist who gave me an appreciation for the outdoors and birds.
What is your favorite animal?
My favorite animal would be any cat. I was never allowed to have cats, because my mother raised Golden Retrievers and the two didn't mix.
Do you have any animals? If so, their names?
I have 4 cats: Toucan, Rabbit, Kudu & Chutney; three horses: Benson, Cowboy & Eagle; five dogs: Bandit, Cheetah, Lilly, Chloe & Badger; 25 Koi Fish; lots of birds: including a visiting couple of Sandhill Cranes who just had a baby.
Favorite memory about designing tableware?
My uncle had an incredible collection of Sevrés 18th century French china. It was from that china that I got my inspiration. My designs evolved from there...
What other items do you design?
In addition to porcelain and ceramic tableware and related giftware and serveware, I have designed furniture and lamps and have had my designs printed on decorative fabric. My wildlife inspired designs are suitable for a wide range of ancillary products.
What inspires you?
My love of wild life of all kind. As I grew up, I didn't have any because I had Golden Retriever puppies, baby rabbits, lizards, hamsters and pigeons in my room. In short I grew up with animals that my parents never knew of and I took care of them all until they became too big.
How many drawing / paintings have you done?
I have completed about 100 oil paintings and about 50 sketches. I also write the Lynn Chase Wildlife Foundation's Newsletter, so there are countless sketches in them.
If you could collaborate with one person, or organization, who would it be?
There are so may people I admire in conservation, it would be impossible for me to single out just one person or organization.