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."
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
If I said, I love you
would you know at all
This strong and spirited voice
from behind the wall…
If I say I love you
would you hear me call
and would you know I was friendly,
from behind the wall…
If I say! I love you
from behind the wall
would my color matter
or my friendship most of all…
So! If I say I love you
would you know my call.
If you believe my story
then tack this up on the wall…