Name: Fred Cray
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Website: https://www.fredcray.com
Brief artists statement:
After 30 years I still love making art and being around art in New York
How did you become an artist? Did you always dream of a life in the art-world?
I knew I would be in the arts from 6th grade on, maybe earlier.
How has your education helped your career?
Education made me be open to and understand things outside of what I knew at that point.
Do you work as an artist full-time? Describe your typical day. Do you have a routine?
I pretty much work as an artist full time. I do silly jobs a few days a month. Otherwise I wake up, go down into my studio. Work on projects much of the day. In winter I stay in the studio much of the day, most days. In nicer weather, I go out looking for things to photograph. A few afternoons a week I go look at art. Maybe go to openings one evening a week.
Which historical and contemporary artists do you refer to most often? How are you influenced by their work?
I think about Anselm Kiefer, Sigmar Polke. I’m inspired by their largeness and grandeur.
What are the other influences on your work?
Music and literature.
What was the last exhibition you visited?
DeKooning at MomMa. Before that Andreas Gursky at Gagosian.
What is your favourite art gallery?
MoMa, though it’s not a gallery.
What are your experiences of the ‘art-world’ and the business of art?
It’s just like life. It can be wonderful; it can be discouraging.
Do you have any tips or advice you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Try not to worry about money and what people think of you and your work. Have a good bunch of supportive friends.
Do you have a quotation that you keep coming back to and that keep you going? Have you a motto that gets you through?
Keep going; there’s no real alternative.
Which historical artist do you think is over-rated? Why?
Monet. Just doesn’t do that much for me.
Do you or would you use assistants to make your work?
No, I like knowing I made my own work.
Do you use social networks? if so, how and which ones do you find most useful?
Just starting to. I like to know people may stumble upon my work.
Which artist should we all look up immediately?
Kiefer.
What art magazines, blogs or sites should art lovers be looking at?
Artnet magazine. also https://dlkcollection.blogspot.com/, Danziger blog
Finish this limerick: There once was an artist from…hell, all he did was sell
I love the final little limerick, great interview!