Artist Displays Work Inspired by Father

Jan. 15 was the day artist Andrew Freeman, a Los Angeles resident, premiered his hand printed portraits to the Inland Empire. The exhibit, entitled “This Year’s Irony," showed a theme inspired by the artistic work done by his father while serving as a Marine Corps experimental pilot in 1967. Freeman’s original idea had presented itself in 2010, when he and his father discussed what they both wanted to create together. Freeman shared, “He and I often navigated some of our more intimate and complex conversations, relying on the transcendent qualities of odd metaphors and descriptions that are rooted in his experience as a young aviator.” In a tragic turn of events, Freeman’s father passed away, leaving him to take a break from his passion and craft. Several months after his father's loss, Freeman once again found the strength to finish the project he had begun when his father was alive, and finish what he called “the beginning [of] a concrete poem; or more precisely, a corroded metallic poem.” Exhibited under the dim lighting on the walls of Ann Peppers Art Gallery at the University of Redlands were images of an airplane boneyard and other objects at Arizona's Pima Air Museum. Gabriela Sonntag, director of the University of Redlands Library, shared, “I was telling my colleagues I have the desire to establish a great relationship with the art department because I have, in the library, many walls that need art on them. I am fascinated by this particular exhibit because it has such a powerful message for all of us. I think that the portraits have something for all of us to learn from as well.” Gallery coordinator and teacher Tommi Cahill explained, “For me, it's amazing to have Andrew Freeman here. He is such an incredible artist and his work is shown all over the world.” Those in attendance also had the chance to engage in a question and answer session with Freeman. He said, “I am really happy [of the artwork], even though I am critical of myself. I could tell you everything that was wrong with my art but I have to say this: one of the greatest things about doing this show at the university (of Redlands) is that it is an education space, a serious space and one that is not commercial.” If you are interested in seeing the works of artist Andrew Freeman, his portraits are on display at the University of Redlands, located in the Ann Peppers Art Gallery.