There is a beautiful stillness that emits within Todd Freeman’s art work. It is simple in its representational style, but inviting, in that it draws down our focus, prompting us to further probe the questions that begin to emerge.
In his earliest works it was his strong acumen for creating intriguing taxidermies-stylish drawings that captivated my attention, but since then his depiction of the natural world still is center to understanding his pieces.
For his new series, “At Sea,” Freeman is turning to the vastness of the ocean, not just as a physical space but as a thing where so much power resides. For Freeman, much is contained within the platform of the oceans, and many of his images draw their inspiration from objects, animals, and nautical exhibitions from the 19th and early 20th century.
These new drawings from Freeman also arrive in the Sparrows’ space where I first discovered the artist’s taxidermy drawings. Freeman writes that “At Sea” is an “examination of an eclectic display of functional objects, collected specimens and other articles of interest from the golden age of exploration.”
With his BFA in Printmaking from Grand Valley State University, Freeman says, “My prints draw material from the natural and supernatural kingdoms, referencing both alleged anomalies and legitimate marvels. They are inert swatches from the natural world, and offer documentation for stories that time has lost or dismissed."
Freeman has had a series of art openings over the years, both in town and out, including the group show “Uses,” where he exhibited earlier this year at Ortega y Gassett Projects in Brooklyn, New York.
And while he will have a few images on display from his forthcoming book, “Make A Signal,” those who are interested in Gather (2012) — a book of net drawings — will have a chance to purchase a copy at the opening. Freeman’s work has also been featured in the magazines Juxtapoz, Design Bureau, Booooooom and Hi-Fructose.
Admission: Free
More Info