Meet Freddie Lieberman of Freddie Lieberman Contemporary Fine Art

Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddie Lieberman.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Art has always played an important role in my life. My first major art project, at age 3, didn’t go over well at all. In the early morning hours, I created a crayon mural on my grandparents’ freshly painted living room wall.

After earning my BFA from the University of Illinois, I took classes at the Chicago Art Institute and taught art at the high school level for a few years. I then set out on my own as a freelance artist specializing in wall murals and graphics, custom finishes on walls and furniture, portrait chairs and benches and whatever customers wanted me to paint.

About 12 years ago I ventured into the world of contemporary canvas painting–experimenting with many materials and techniques and perfecting the use of resin to bring out the colors of the many layers of thinned glazes. As I continued on this path, my art has evolved into a means of recycling paint and otherwise discarded materials to create exceptionally beautiful and original works of art.

I have named this new creative endeavor EPRA–Excess Paint Recycling Alternative. In the past, the excess paint was washed down the drain–into the water system. I realized how detrimental this is. Now I wipe off as much as possible on paper next to my work area.

Eventually, these papers became covered with all the colors I loved to use and developed a beauty of their own–beautiful enough to become the main focus of new art pieces with the addition of other recycled elements. Some of these EPRA pieces are done on discarded cabinet doors found on the curb. That’s really recycling.

Becoming an active member, and eventually, the president, of the Scottsdale Artists League has been a very positive force in my life and career. I’ve participated in many shows which earned me a huge collection of ribbons and have become friends with some of the finest artists in Arizona.

I believe that all the “brushstrokes” of our lives contribute to the person we are today.

Has it been a smooth road?
It was a pretty smooth road until the economy took a plunge. That has made artists become their own marketing managers, and that can take a big bite out of the time we spend in our studio. That was a whole new learning experience. I have been shown in several Scottsdale galleries–some very good experiences and some very disappointing. Right now, I’m on my own but who knows, that can change.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am lucky enough to have my studio in my home. It isn’t large, but it was built to be my workspace and adjoins the laundry room, so I have a sink nearby, I have a large skylight overhead, so the light is perfect. When I’m not painting on discarded cabinet doors, I use cradled wood panels which are 15″, 18″, and 24″ square and either 2″ or 3″ deep. I have most of them custom made for me. My paintings are not framed.

I usually begin a piece by applying a variety of textures to the surface and then start adding glazes (thinned acrylic paint). It takes patience because each layer has to dry before the next one is added. Rarely is there much planning involved. The piece just evolves, and I keep working at it until I absolutely LOVE it. I add. I subtract. I might have to leave it for a few days if I’m at an impasse.

One day, I look at it and know exactly what I have to do. When it’s finished, I apply the first coat of resin. The resin finish and my bright colors and color combinations are what I’m known for. After the resin has hardened for 24 hours, I add a few touches of paint or bits of gold leaf followed by another coat of resin. These additions appear to float on the painting.

The resin mixing and application are a process that few artists will attempt. To get the glassy surface desired, I have to properly mix it, pour it on and spread it evenly to cover the entire painting, get all the air bubbles out, not allow dust to settle on it and wait 24 hours and hope it came out close to perfect. I have been invited to demonstrate it many times.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is a good place for artists. Although I have not yet explored the Central Phoenix art scene, I’ve heard that it is becoming quite vibrant. We have many surrounding areas east and west that are growing rapidly, so there’s more demand there. And, most important, we are a huge tourist destination.

We also have a lot of non-gallery venues for artists to show their work—-restaurants, Sky Harbor Airport, theater lobbies. I would advise every aspiring artist to join an art league for comradery, technique demonstrations and show opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.freddieliebermanartist.com
• Phone: (480)998-8782
• Email: fredarts@cox.net
• Instagram: instagram/liebermanfreddie.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/freddieliebermancontemporaryfineart.com

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