Fred Trease was educated as a biologist and a sociologist, with the majority of his career spent in the practice of environmental public health. Starting in 2006 as a photographer, his style evolved to encompass digital drawings based on his science background. His work is an exploration of everything from the subatomic and microscopic to the sociological and cosmological. Fred's artwork will be on display at the Corinth branch until April 21, 2024.
Talk about the works currently on display at the Corinth Library. What would you like people to know about them?
These works are drawings made on a small tablet and began during the pandemic lockdown. While they were initially about the isolation of home life they soon began to be about the outside world.
You have described your art as “new ways at looking at familiar things”. Is the vibrancy of color in your work an example of that?
Color has always been an important element of my work so I'm sure it's a contributing factor.
What did you have to develop, try or learn to create this artwork?
I had to learn how to use digital devices and software to achieve something as close to traditional drawing techniques as possible. Through a lot of trial and error I have finally managed to find something that works for me. The past year I have been engaged in large scale public art projects that require me to again begin the search for new technology.
What wisdom/insight would you share with your past self if you could?
This is always an interesting question. The best advice I've come up with is to start earlier.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
Without a doubt, my tablet!
What books, movies and/or music have inspired you recently?
I've been listening to a lot of Sondheim and Tuba Skinny of late. My nightstand has a stack of books from the Johnson County Library. At the moment, I'm reading Edward Lear and Stevie Smith. How's that for a combo.
