ARTIST BLOCK 08: NEW YEAR, NEW ME…I GUESS

by Bob Freyer

New year, new me….I guess. 

With the new year just starting, it’s been hard getting back to painting. Taking time off can be useful, but at the same time it can be hard to find the motivation after a long break. Personally, I’ve been watching way more YouTube than I’d like to admit and my motivation has been keeping me from my studio. I’m not sure if it’s definitely the lack of motivation, or that I’m moving and I’ll be looking for a new studio. 

For the last 13 years or so I’ve been going really hard and painting at what feels non stop. I’ve done so many shows which included solo and group shows. Along the way I’ve managed to show not only in Pittsburgh but also Miami, Vegas, California, Colorado, and New York. If there’s one thing I have  noticed, artists here seem to be in competition with each other. I think we’ve all seen one artist do something that’s just amazing and then want to do our art that artist. For some that might doable, in my personal opinion I don’t think it is. Art is subjective and styles are different. Don’t let the new year have you competing against anyone besides yourself. 

While I’m not going to have a full studio to do my work, fiinding new ways to navigate and be creative is the motivation I have now. My main medium has been acrylics and spray paint. I’m switching things up, I’m going smaller with my canvas, and going to use watercolors and inks. Instead of canvas I’m switching to paper. I’ll be forcing myself to draw more and practice. Not to mention, storing paper is easier than having large canvases sit in the studio. 

Since I’m changing everything that I’m used to, I’m also changing my approach to different opportunities. I’ve already had responses from the people I reached out to. I encourage every artist to look outside of Pittsburgh if opportunities haven’t happened here. There’s always an audience for your style and art. 

When it comes to showing, be careful and keep yourself in mind and know where to show. There’s some great local places that love to show and support local artists, especially if you’re just starting out. Two of my personal favorites for early-career local artists are Ketchup City and Atithi Studios. Both of these spots are here for the local artists and are fair and respectful. You won’t have a snooty “curator” doing this for fun. Both Ketchup City and Atithi have maintained their spots in helping the art community. I have to mention Pandora on Western Ave in Pittsburgh too. Jenn, the owner, is very into the local artists here and has many of their works in her shop. I highly recommend starting the new year off with researching these spots and see when they have a Call For Artists. 

My goal for this year is to challenge myself and explore different types of mediums. I’m also planning to attend more shows and see my artist friends more. I’ve had many of you come to my shows, and this year I’m going to be in attendance more myself. I won’t be showing, or promoting my own shows. I’m done with the solo shows, and that’s an entire Artist Block of its own. But I will be out and about this year. 

To anyone reading this, I hope you have a creative and great 2025. Stay creative! 

Bob Freyer is an award-winning artist from Pittsburgh, PA who paints images from an alternate world. Since 2013, Freyer has been showcasing work in Pittsburgh and has participated in numerous shows throughout the U.S.