Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Fretwell.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I consider myself a very creative individual who is always willing to try new things, whether thats a new medium or a completely new creative field. I began painting only three years ago during my undergraduate studies and within that time, I’ve pursued a minor in graphic design, studied photography, and currently have a full-time position working alongside interior stylists. It’s safe to say I am always looking for new ways to project my ideas and watch them come to life.
When it comes to my true passion though, oil painting takes the cake. I was first introduced to oil paint during my sophomore year of college where my professor allowed us to explore different styles and subject matter until we found something we really enjoyed. Instantly, I fell into the ever-so tedious world of hyperrealism.
Please tell us about your art.
My current body of hyperrealistic work is titled: “Off Screen Identities: The Millennial Generation.” This series is about exploring the boundaries of cultural identities that are associated with the millennial generation. Millennials have, like most generations, been stereotyped with characteristics both undeserved and deserved. My series presents a group of powerful individuals who can only represent a minuscule fraction of my generation.
My series directly addresses the powerful role media and technology has played in our upbringing, suggested in these paintings through the vibrating colors that are projected onto the individuals’ faces. These unearthly colors blend into the skin, practically eliminating the aspect of the models’ ethnicity or religion. The structure of one of the portraits also tries to eliminate the immediate assumption of “preferred” gender. Through the jet-black clothing, glowing colors and radiating circle, which acts as a symbol of unification, the portraits of the individuals come together as a cohesive group, creating a parallel to how the millennial generation has been learning to come together during the most recent political and social catastrophes. In this way, the identity of the millennials explored here show both individuality, identity fluidity, and collective unity. “Off Screen Identities: The Millennial Generation” intends to inform the viewers of the inevitable effects of modern media and technology as modifiers, and a visual response showing we stand together today, more powerful than yesterday.
In terms of direction for my future work, I intend to paint the portraits of well-known individuals who have stood out in society for their courageous actions.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Once I graduated college, I went from being constantly surrounded by a tightly-knit group of artists to nothing but contact through social media likes and delayed email chains. I felt like the community of people who supported me had been distanced. That feeling, though, only lasted for a short time until I realized the community of artists I was apart of still existed and we will always in each other’s lives wishing for the best. Since graduation, I have joined a new community of artists within my studio building which has helped me become more aware of local shows, artist calls, and events. It’s all about putting yourself out there and making as many connections as you can!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My studio is located in Springfield, MA and I am always open for scheduling visitations. Otherwise, my work can be seen on my website: daniellefretwell.com and on Instagram: @danielle_fretwell. A few of my paintings are currently on display at Endicott College in Beverly and Go Berry in Northampton.
Contact Info:
- Website: daniellefretwell.com
- Phone: 4136684956
- Email: daniellefretwell@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle_fretwell/
Image Credit:
Danielle Fretwell
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