JESSICA RUTH FREEDMAN

 

 

1. Share a bit about you and how you became an artist.

 

I grew up in a very artistic household; both my parents were musicians and my mother was an actor. We always had original art hanging in the home, and many of my parents friends were artists or musicians. Early as a young child I was enrolled in art classes at the local museum, but I was immediately put off when a fellow student said I couldn’t draw mountains! I had a career as a contemporary dancer and always painted on the side. It was only after my own kids were grown that I decided to go back to visual art and take it seriously. 

 

 

 

 Artist: Jessica Ruth Freedman, Canada

 

 

 

2. For artists who've always lived in their birth country, how does your homeland inspire your art?

Artists who born and raised in different countries, how do those experiences influence your art?

 

I live in a micro Mediterranean climate, which is ironic because I spent the early part of my life in Israel, where my father was born. I am definitely influenced by the botanicals around me, as I have a rather large garden of native plants. They feature strongly in my work. I am also influenced by the idea of diaspora - when a people live away from their ancestral homeland. I like to think there is a sort of longing and also homecoming in my work.

 

 

 

 

3. Can you describe your art and your art style? What does your work aim to say?

 

I describe my art as abstract botanicals as the themes are of nature. Sometimes there are more abstracted to the point of not being recognizable as forms. I work in mixed media, mostly acrylic paint, charcoal, ink, and soft pastel. I use lots of color, and most people connect with the colorful nature of my work. I also hear from my collectors that they see my work as positive, or peaceful.

 

 

 

 "Vitae" by Jessica Ruth Freedman, Canada

 

 

 

4. Who are your biggest influences?

 

Perhaps surprisingly, my biggest artistic influence is the Surrealist painter Renee Magritte. His work seems to make a statement about life without being too obvious. Also, I am attracted to his use of light and dark, and use that as a measure in my own work when I am choosing color. There is something that happens in the eye when we are faced with light against dark, cool against warm.

 

 

 

 

5. How has your career developed and evolved?

 

I used to be a contemporary dancer, and had also dabbled in visual art on the side. I have taken many courses at the college level, but it was only 6 years ago that I decided, after raising my children, to pursue art professionally. I was lucky that I had an extensive marketing background in my previous work, and was quickly able to scale up. I have sold work through galleries, through social media, from my own studio, at festivals and markets, wholesale, with third party sites, and to friends and family.

 

 

 

 

6. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

 

I have been and will also be a creative person. I’ve gotten to the stage where I see the value in just creating. If it sells that’s a bonus.

 

 

 

 

7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?

 

Best advice? Just create.

 

 

 

 "Song of Spring" by Jessica Ruth Freedman, Canada

 

 

8. How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?

 

The most balance came for me when I created a home studio for my art. It can be small. I used to push my supplies and unfinished paintings under my bed, then drag them out each time. Now I have a separate room in my house with a separate entrance for clients. Sometimes I work for 10 minutes, sometimes for 6 hours. Like anything else, finding balance means giving attention to all areas in your life.

 

 

 

 

9. How do you balance social media and your art creation?

 

Social media has changed so much over the years and will continue to change. Some people love to “play the game” and keep up with all the changes to increase their online collectors. Some people hate that and only use it as an online portfolio. It’s trial and error. I think as an artist it’s important to enjoy all parts of the process. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it. I’m lucky that I had a strong presence in the early days of Instagram, and used to sell 80% of my work directly to collectors there. Now, because of the demand for short form videos, which I hate doing, I sell 80% of my work through one store that is local to me and only 15 minutes away.

 

 

 

 

10. Can you share your favorite quote and what it means to you?

 

Here is a quote with advice I follow for making art: “Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” Andy Warhol

Here is a quote with advice I follow for life: “It’s not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” David Steindl-Rast

 

 

 

 

11. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or those thinking of starting an art career?

 

My advice for new artists is to trust your instincts, and follow your curiosities. In all aspects of art making and art marketing.

 

 

 

 

12. Where can people find your art?

 

Instagram: @jessica_ruth_freedman_art

Website: www.jessicaruthfreedman.com

 

 

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