INTERVIEW WITH URSULA FREER


Who are you?

I was born in Poland before the 2nd World War and spent most of my childhood in war torn Europe as a refugee. I finally immigrated to the US in 1951. I am married and have four grown children. I have lived in Chicago, IL; Woodstock, NY; San Diego, CA; before settling in Santa Fe, NM with my husband, Neil, who is a writer.

Do you make a living from creating images or is it your hobby?

Neither, I consider myself a professional full time artist, but do not make a living at it yet.

How did you get interested in arts and computer graphics?

I have always been interested in art, such as music, dance, theater and the visual arts. Seventeen years ago I decided to devote myself entirely to painting. The interest in computer art did not surface until about three years ago.

Do you have a formal education in this field or are you self-taught?

I have taken quite a few college art courses and studied with master teachers privately. The excursion into digital art is definitely self taught, but the art principles I have learned previously do apply to this area also.

What kinds of programs do you use?

I use Photoshop and my favorite plug ins are Kai Power Tools 2 and 3.

Can you describe the process of creation of your image?

Most often I create my images on the computer from scratch by starting with a simple geometric or organic pattern which I then put through plug-in filters and effects until I get something I like. A few times I have used photos as a starting point for the explorations. Recently, as in "Apparition" I have painted over the digital image with acrylics.

Where do you get your inspiration?

From the unconscious which remembers or relates to the (random?) patterns that appear on the monitor.

Is the image complete in your head before you start realizing it or do you start with some raw idea that develops as the image progresses?

The image is not in my head nor do I start with an idea, but as the image develops randomly, I recognize it on some level, get drawn into it and give it direction.

Do any of the images reflect your personal experiences or are they purely a product of your imagination's wandering?

I think the above are one and the same. Aren't our imagination's wandering not on some level reflecting personal experiences, conscious or otherwise?


Ursula Freer interviewed by Jiri Matejicek
May 1999

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