Featured Artist Andie Freeman

Andie Freeman’s thoughtful and elegant paintings tell stories of the past. Enjoy her portfolio:

“Nest Diptych” Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, Each Panel 10″ x 20″ x 2″

I have always loved hearing stories. For me, the best ones are rooted in truth.

“Nurture No. 1″ Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 30″ x 10″ x 2”

As a little kid growing up in New England, my mom would take me on outings to historic sites. It was a really special time for us to be together. I was fascinated with imagining the lives of the people that lived in these places.

“Spoons” Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 22″ x 30″ x 2″

Sometimes, we would wander into an antique store and that’s when my imagination really went wild. For only a dollar or two I could buy a treasure that had once been used by someone else, someone who’s story had already been told. This absolutely excited me.

“Nest with Muted Shadows” Oil on Canvas with Stained Wood Sides, 36″ x 36″ x 2″

I still get that excited when I see a barn that’s falling over or paint peeling from a city building or when I hold an old photo and see the eyes of that person communicating with me. As I developed my body of work, the idea of painting used objects kept coming back to me.

“Nurture No. 2″ Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 30″ x 10″ x 2”

I paint still life paintings in oils featuring used objects and natural elements. I find them endlessly interesting in their utilitarianism and their aesthetic, but most importantly because they act as storytellers from the past.

“Walk with Me” Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 48″ x 24″ x 2″

I hope that my paintings will encourage the viewer to imagine the person who used the item and what their life might have been like. When we step inside someone else’s world, we gain perspective about our own life and empathy for others. My paintings are created to bridge those worlds.

“Twist” Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 10″ x 30″ x 2″

Natural elements are also important subjects in my paintings. They are bright, often colorful and full of life, making them a great contrast to the man-made objects. In particular, lemons and hydrangeas are common in my work. The lemon is a great metaphor for life. Although it is bright, sharp and full of energy, it can be sour as well.

“The Dance” Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 30″ x 10″ x 2″

A new collector was recently in my studio and saw a piece that immediately captivated her. When she shared it with her husband, neither of them could take their eyes off of it. They left my studio, and a few days later they called and said they wanted it. They said they couldn’t stop thinking about it, that it was haunting and beautiful. I was so touched that the piece had immediately captivated them.

“Picnic” Oil on Cradled Birch Wood with Stained Wood Sides, 10″ x 30″ x 2″

This past fall, I had my work in an exhibition at a hospital. The sister of a patient there emailed me to tell me how comforting my work was to her when she was visiting. She had said it was warm and welcoming. I love that my work can give someone peace during a difficult time.

Artist Andie Freeman

I find a lot of beauty in cast-off things and perfection in things that are imperfect. That curiosity fuels my paintings, which I hope causes the viewer to slow down for a moment, taking time to let their imaginations roam.

Artist Andie Freeman invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Visit her website to learn more.

Link to Carolyn’s original article here.