Seated at his work station in the Muddy Wheel art studio is a face of genius covered with the remnants of molded clay. His hands serve as his machines of orchestration; his mind serves as his pool of information that organizes his source of creativity. His eyes open the world to the ecstasy of art while the heart overflows with a desire to amaze. On the wheels in the Muddy Wheel art studio sits a lump of clay waiting to be immortalized by the hands of the great artist, Fred Wilson.
Fred Robert Wilson continues to quietly be one of New Mexico's most valued treasures. The fact that he is African American increases the value of his contributions to the diversity of masterful artwork in the State of New Mexico.
Fred moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975 bringing with him the Muddy Wheel Pottery School, Studio and Gallery that he established in Van Nuys, California. Wilson is a noted artist, creating sculpture, pottery, masks, photographs, paintings, stone carvings and woodcarvings for nearly 61 years.
In September, Fred was awarded the Individual Award for Major Contributor to the Arts, becoming the first African American in the State of New Mexico to receive the award. He is the founder of the New Mexico African-American Artists' Guild, which under his guidance, "He helped create the face of African-American art in New Mexico," says Pamelya Herndon, who nominated Fred for the award.
Through his Touch/Feel program, Fred opens his studio to about 40 school tours each year, helping youth appreciate art and discover their own artistic talent. "These are not merely tours and demonstrations – each child is allowed to create two pieces of pottery, one hand-build and one thrown on the wheel," says Christine Snyder in her letter of support for Wilson's nomination.
Artist Shirley Fears-Wynn say Wilson is an inspiration: "He not only works at his art daily in his studio, but he lives and breathes his art and the art of others 365 days a year."
In our interview with Fred, we found much more than what could be contained in any article written about this man. When you see Fred's work, you are visiting the soul of a man whose life is committed to maximizing the incredible talents he has enjoyed for over 61 years.
Fred says, "Being a good artist is all about commitment and I wish the black population would be even more committed to the arts. I truly wish more of our young black men would be committed to their creative side before being frozen in commitment in the prison system."
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