RECEPTION: APR 4

works by Brittany Freeman & William Gold

EXHIBIT OVERVIEW

Freeman’s work explores suburbia and seeks to capture the array of emotions that define this setting—ranging from moments of joy to experiences of solitude. Gold’s work examines the psychology of self and communal perception in relation to our own finiteness and the legacies we leave. These artist’s works invite viewers to consider healthier ways of viewing our own lives and the beauty found in unforeseen places.

EXHIBIT STATEMENT

Brittany Freeman

ARTIST STATEMENT Suburbia. In my series of acrylic paintings, titled “Suburbia” I aim to unravel the complexities of everyday life in the suburbs. With a vibrant palette of colors, I seek to capture the array of emotions that define this unique landscape, from moments of joy and connection to the quieter, more solitary experiences that often go unnoticed.

Growing up in suburbia myself, I’ve always been fascinated by the delicate balance between comfort and longing that permeates these neighborhoods. In this series, I delve into themes of isolation and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst the monotony of suburban routine.

Additionally this collection explores the role of creature comforts—like technology, media—in shaping our experiences and perceptions. These elements serve as both a source of solace and a distraction, offering brief respites from the hustle of suburban life while simultaneously contributing to a sense of disconnection.

Through my art, I aim to ignite discussions about the intricacies of suburban life, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own journeys and how they navigate the complexities of contemporary existence. Ultimately, “Suburbia” serves as a voyage of self-discovery—a gentle nudge to recognize the hidden beauty within the mundane, amidst the hustle.

ARTIST BIO Brittany Freeman is a multidisciplinary artist hailing from the heart of the Midwest, whose faceted approach reflects the diverse landscapes of her upbringing. Raised in various suburban settings across the US, Brittany’s art is a vivid tapestry woven with themes of suburban life, neurodivergence, acceptance, comfort, and escapism.

Brittany’s artistic journey began with textiles, making realistic animal sculptures, each piece a reflection of her intricate understanding of form and the emotional ties between people and pets. This work led to a fruitful career in toy prototyping and work in film and theater as a prop-maker. However, a major car accident in 2016 left her unable to sculpt for several years, prompting a transformative shift in her practice.

Turning to acrylic painting as a means of expression, Brittany discovered a newfound passion that resonated deeply within her soul. Drawn to its versatility and immediacy, acrylic painting became Brittany’s primary medium, allowing her to explore themes of identity and connection with a boldness and clarity previously unattainable.

In her vibrant and evocative paintings, Brittany captures the essence of human experience with a sensitivity and depth that transcends words. Figurative in nature, her works pulse with life, each brushstroke a testament to the complexity and beauty of the human spirit.

Bold colors and impressionistic style characterize Brittany’s art, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where emotion reigns supreme and the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. Through her art, Brittany seeks to forge connections, sparking conversations and fostering empathy in a world often devoid of understanding.

As Brittany continues to evolve as an artist, she remains committed to pushing artistic boundaries and challenging perceptions, using her creativity as a force for change and healing. With each new piece, she invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where acceptance and connection illuminate the path forward.

William Gold

ARTIST STATEMENT My artwork is about dealing with mental health and about how we think about ourselves and how we think we are perceived. It also covers the concept of mortality and what we think people will remember about us when we pass.

This work covers the last couple of years from my lowest times in my life and the realization of my own mental issues to recovering and being in a better place to where I feel like I can manage my own mental health and have a better sense of self.

I like to utilize needle felting into my paintings to contrast the darker subject matter like the skulls, creating them separate from the canvas and then adhering them by a strong glue and/or needle felting them through the canvas.  I’ll start off covering the canvas with either a bright or dark color to set the tone or mood that I’m feeling and pick a couple of colors before hand to complement the background. By incorporating my own interests, either about coffee or nature,  I can personally see myself or my own mental state at that time. I usually do not know what the finish piece will look like when I begin. A new element or different composition will be used in order to surprise and challenge myself and I can create something that’s new to me.

ARTIST BIO I’m an artist residing in Rock Hill, SC. Most of my earlier work has been in Acrylic, Oil, and Ink, but the last couple of years I’ve been working in Fiber Art and exploring how I can integrate it into my paintings.