Art & Life with Ann Eisenberg Friedlander

I am so pleased that I was interviewed by VoyageMIA. Please see the article below or click here for the direct link.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Eisenberg Friedlander.

Ann, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always been an artist, and most specifically I am a painter; however, sometimes I have not made paintings. I made books and collages, and I drew on gossamer thin paper. I made gardens. I danced. I ride horses so seriously that I started to forget that I am a painter. One day I was talking to a young dressage rider. Then I remembered that like her. I had worked at something from a very young age. At that moment I decided to resume painting, and so I did. I am very happy about the decision.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am interested in symbols and personal icons similar to the way in which a poet uses words and grammar to craft poems. The symbols, icons, and marks that I use repeatedly are my language – my visual poems. Along with this simple universal symbolic language, I keep integrating a fascination with regards to color relationships to create new compositions.

Saussurian linguistics presents the idea that words deepen or change in meaning through use. Initially, I wondered how the significance of my paintings would evolve when I use the same symbols in my work. I do see my work evolving and changing but not in the way that I anticipated. The challenge and love for the color field and deep space has grown. The limited simple shapes that I play with there give me ample room to express myself, but at this time the colors that I use in my oil paintings are my primary challenge.

It is gratifying when people who may not be schooled in abstract/conceptual painting respond to the colors, the composition, and the way that I use paint. I work from my heart, and I reach out with my message to the viewer again and again boldly and quietly.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
The artist has always been well positioned to comment about world events, values, or social commentary. And it is good to do so. The artist also can lift our spirits with creations of beauty when times are hard. Currently, I have found myself on the latter path. My time in the studio is a respite for me from disheartening events, and my paintings show this.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I like it best for people come to my studio for a personal tour of my paintings with a side visit to my horses! I can be contacted through my website. Annfriedlander.com

My work is sometimes in shows throughout the USA, and then I post the information on Instagram.

I use Instagram a lot. I post there often. I appreciate comments, and I am happy to be followed there. @AnnFriedlander

I am grateful and thankful for people who enjoy my work and for collectors.