“Scratyr” Jason Lloyd Casale

My monstrous face jugs celebrate diversity and respect for all individuals, inspired by the animist traditions of indigenous cultures and acknowledging the dark history of genocide, appropriation, slavery, and separation in American culture. As a Tennessee whiskey distiller and queer man, I see the jug form as embodying both masculine and feminine qualities. By honoring the multiplicity of heritages and gender expressions, I blend tradition and innovation to explore new possibilities as a craftsman.

My heritage trade bead jewelry is a fusion of the old and the new. I combine original 19th and 20th-century trade beads with smooth contemporary gemstones and glass to create striking and unique pieces. Whether you're looking for a valuable eye-popping necklace or a subtle accent bracelet (or another stretchy for the stack), I got you.

Scratyr Jason Lloyd Casale, born in Youngstown, Ohio, is a queer folk artist renowned for his distinctive Appalachian folk art pottery and beaded jewelry. He honed his artistic skills through formal education in art at Antioch College, where he delved into various forms of expression, and later received his degree in sculpture from Warren Wilson College. He has also studied at the Appalachian Center for Craft.

Inspired by the rugged beauty of the backwoods mountainous regions of mid-south Appalachia, Scratyr resides in the serene depths of middle Tennessee, where he embraces an off-the-grid lifestyle immersed in nature's splendor. Scratyr is a co- founder of the Chinkapin Craftstead in Woodbury, TN, a non-profit arts organization, which fosters an environment where artists have access to nature, art residencies, performing arts, and homesteading opportunities in rural Tennessee.

His artwork has placed in exhibitions the Cannon County Arts Center, the White Oak Craft Fair, and earned him a place at the renowned Rochester Contemporary Art Center (ROCO) in New York.

With over a decade of experience, Scratyr's craftsmanship reflects his exploration of spirit, nature, culture, color, and texture. Each piece he meticulously creates intertwines traditional forms with unique twists, often featuring monstrous elements such as sharp teeth and eyes, captivating audiences and transcending artistic boundaries.

Through his art, Scratyr invites viewers on a visual odyssey, where traditional meets the monstrous and extraordinary. His Appalachian folk art pottery and beaded jewelry serve as conduits to the essence of nature, evoking wonder and curiosity in those who behold his creations.