Approved: 09.12.2016

John Freeman

Artist, Maker, Teacher

Approved: 09.12.2016

Concepts, Ideas and Themes

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      Artist Statement

      Concepts, Ideas and Themes

      My work has been strongly influenced by the use of space in compartmented objects,
      such as cells, pockets and pigeon-holes and the way they have developed and from what. I am also interested by the aesthetics of data graphics, the principles behind the visual representation of data and the links between mathematics and number systems and spacing systems.
      This has led me to my more recent work based on the notion of over-decoration of data graphics which Edward R. Tufte refers to as ‘chart-junk’ in his book on this subject, and in turn led me to investigate how over-decoration can be used to subvert an information display, and alter the validity and harmony of a data graphic display, distorting the true information passed on to the 'consumer'.

      My work has been influenced by artisits and writers such as Joseph Cornell, Agnes Martin, Rashid Johnson, Sol LeWitt, Mona Hatoum, Robert Venturi, Edward R Tufte.


      Processes and Techniques

      My practice involves several processes including pieces that employ woodblock printmaking, monotype, screenprinting, computer generated/manipulated prints and lino cutting. Some of my work will involve a combination of these techniques which I usually refer to as low relief sculptural drawings in some instances There can be some interaction between the piece and the viewer.
      On the more sculptural side of my work, questions such as presentation and venue
      have become increasingly more important, in some cases producing cabinets in which work/information can be stored and viewed.

      CV & Education

      John Freeman

      Exhibitions

      • CASE: Coventry Art Societies Exhibition, 2nd February till 3rd March 2024, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
      • Coventry & Warwickshire Society of Artists Summer Exhibition, Nuneaton Art Gallery & Museum, 24th June till 17th September 2023
      • Coventry Open 2023, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, 24th March till the 21st May, 2023
      • Birmingham City Plaza, solo show 2014
      • The Birmingham & Midland Institute, solo show, 2002
      • Eyepoppers, Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery, group show 2002
      • Contemporary Concepts, Riversley Museum & Art Gallery, Nuneaton, group show 2005

      Profile

      A working and exhibiting printmaker specialising in woodcut and linocut. 

      I have delivered online and classroom based workshops, and have been on the panel of sessional tutors with Adult and Community Learing.

       I also work as a logo designer and illustrator on a crowdsource basis online where I work with design briefs set by clients. I have experience of game design with Stencyl software. My work has been influenced by the visual display of information throughout history and how and why it has changed. I recently delivered a short and informal introduction to woodcut printmaking which included a slide show with discussion and a demonstration after which the rest of the group worked on their own woodcut print.   

      Work/project history

      Practising Printmaker 1999 – Present

      Making, framing and selling prints, using methods like Woodcut printmaking, lino-cut, and screen printing, as well as digital methods. I occasionally work in a low relief sculptural drawing manner.

      Maker and selling greeting card designs.

      Logo Designer, Design Crowd, Online crowd-sourcing basis 2010 – Present

      Working to strict deadlines to a brief supplied by the customer.

      Using Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop, Corel Paintshop pro software. 

      Qualification description

      Birmingham University  & North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (Nuneaton Campus) 1997-1999

      BA Hons Degree 2:1 Art & Design by negotiated study

      Specialising in printmaking and art history

      North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (Nuneaton Campus) 2008

      PTTLS Level 4 

      Interest and hobbies

      Visual display of quantitative information.

      Ancient Greek philosophy and art

      Renaissance art

      Mathematics in art

      Visiting exhibitions on a regular basis

      Contact details

      07814 537 294 

      [email protected]

      Axisweb artist directory page link:

      https://www.axisweb.org/p/johnfreeman/