James Freid
Born 1994, has practiced at Creative Growth Art Center since 2016
Jamie Freid is a talented artist who showcases his preferred subjects of insects and characters from his favorite cartoons with a distinctively bold and vivid color palette. His work not only captures the essence of these subjects but also demonstrates his unique approach to painting. With a thick application of intense color, Jamie transforms paint into a sculptural element, creating texture and depth that engages the viewer's senses. Additionally, Jaime explores his creativity through ceramics, where he meticulously crafts intricate and symmetrical handbuilt sculptures. His attention to detail in both mediums showcases his immense skill and passion for his chosen subjects.
JAMIE FREID ARTIST STATEMENT
Animal Style Exhibition - September 2023
Animals inspire me. My ideas come from the photos I take on Sunday visits to the Oakland zoo and images of animals on the internet. I love to use the brush to make smooth motions of going back and forth with watercolor and acrylic paint. There’s something amazing about adding water to colors and watching it spread onto the page. I used to only paint and draw on paper. Now I draw and paint animals, sea life, and characters from books, movies and tv on wood and ceramics. With the 3D pieces on wood, I can make characters and animals bigger than life. I want my artwork to make people feel joy and warmth. It’s my gift to share and a way I can be generous to other people. I also want people to laugh. Like in this installation it’s funny the way the fish and frogs are swimming and so much bigger than the cats sitting on the shore. I’ve created a whole world here- where all the creatures are happy and having so much fun swimming and playing near the shore. It almost looks real and when people see it they will want to visit and be inspired to make art.
Los animales me inspiran. Mis ideas surgen de las fotos que hago en mis visitas dominicales al zoo de Oakland y de imágenes de animales en Internet. Me encanta utilizar el pincel para hacer movimientos suaves de ida y vuelta con acuarela y pintura acrílica. Hay algo increíble en añadir agua a los colores y ver cómo se extiende por la página. Antes sólo pintaba y dibujaba sobre papel. Ahora dibujo y pinto animales, vida marina y personajes de libros, películas y televisión en madera y cerámica. Con las piezas en 3D sobre madera, puedo hacer personajes y animales más grandes que la vida. Quiero que mis obras hagan que la gente sienta alegría y calidez. Es mi don para compartir y una forma de ser generoso con los demás. También quiero que la gente se ría. En esta instalación, por ejemplo, es gracioso ver cómo nadan los peces y las ranas, mucho más grandes que los gatos sentados en la orilla. He creado un mundo en el que todas las criaturas son felices y se divierten nadando y jugando cerca de la orilla. Casi parece real y cuando la gente lo vea querrá visitarlo y se inspirará a hacer arte.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS