To celebrate the 2025 Neddy Awards in Seattle, WA, we asked some of the awarded artists about their work. First up, Andy Cash DeLapp.
Q: How can art combat entropy?
A: Art absorbs chaos and spits it back out in a form we can digest. It turns disorder into something useful—a tool. Viewing my paintings after the fact helps me examine myself closer. More often than not, I find a totally different meaning in a piece post-creation. It takes stepping back to gain insight into choices that may have happened subconsciously, or how symbolism can change through a new perspective. I can walk away from a painting knowing a bit more about myself. Through art, we understand ourselves better, and we get to see how others are making sense of their own chaos, too.
Q: What do material, palette, scale, or symbolism mean in your work?
A: Using oil paint in my work is important because I reference the old masters a lot. Working with their palette and oil as my medium helps me feel connected to their headspace. I am also obsessed with the oil paint itself and all its unique properties, even the way it smells when I walk into the studio. It never feels boring to me—I feel like I still only know the smallest fraction of the medium. The need to know more pulls me back into the studio.
Symbolism also plays a big role in my paintings. Tape is a recurring symbol. I use it to represent community, censorship, or feelings of restriction, depending on the context I put it into. Internet memes are a signature part of my work. They help me challenge the Western canon through juxtaposition and start a conversation in a light-hearted way. Paper shows up frequently as well. It’s fragile, like the themes I am communicating. It can also feel deeply personal when used to depict written letters, photographs, drawings, etc. All of these symbols give me lots of space to explore different themes.
Q: How do you see your work contributing to the Seattle arts canon?
A: It’s a great time to be a Seattle artist! There’s lots of cool stuff on the horizon with PDA Art Love Salon, BaseCamp Studios, and more! These are all building up the Seattle art community. I hope my work can add to that energy and create more space for queer art.
Q: What’s next for you after becoming a Neddy Finalist?
A: After becoming a Neddy Finalist, it’s about showing up and going all in. I have prioritized more time in the studio and less of my day job. I’m fully committed and open to new opportunities (manifesting big things!). I’ve got some shows lined up, I want to reach more of my Seattle community, and stay up to speed on all the upcoming art spaces in the city. It’s time to use this momentum and continue painting!