Fred's foundation for his love of Art began when he was a young boy living in California. As early as the age of 10, Fred began to draw and paint and make pottery. He was also a gifted but small athlete while in high school, which helped in forming Fred's competitive nature which played an important role in the development of his resilient spirit.
Fred was able to overcome the spurs of discrimination and pursue his dreams because of his strong belief that once you determine what you can do well, the applications of commitment to your goal will result in success.
Fred believes that any good or great artist must have the ability to generate ideas. "People often ask me where do I get my Ideas, and I tell them the ideas for my drawing come to me in dreams or as a real life experience. And sometimes my work is influenced by a mistake. When something breaks or is mishandled, I know then that it's OK for me to improvise and say what if. Then I am inspired to expand my vision and open my mind to change, and many times what was, becomes something totally different."
Fred finds great comfort in the contributions Kristen, his wife of 20 years, makes to the development of his work as an artist. "Kristen has been invaluable for me; she will come into a room, look at what I am working and occasionally make recommendations. I channel her energy into what I am working on and the flow continues. She is busy as she has her own jewelry business and I appreciate the time and interest she shares in my work."
Fred has enhanced the interest of the State of New Mexico in African American art and through the workshops and programs at his studio he is also developing a future of African American artists. Fred's passion to create has afforded us all a view through the eyes of an exceptional visionary.
Although Fred's is recognized as a great artist his talents are not limited to his work as an artist. Fred is also a published poet. In 1996 the book ‘Soul Reflections' containing poems written by Fred Wilson, was published.
We leave you with another reflection of the work of Fred Robert Wilson:
If I Say I Love You
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