Meet Kaye Freeman in Down Town Wholesale Food District

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaye Freeman.

Kaye, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from Hong Kong, that’s where I was born but my family moved to Tokyo when I was three, so that’s where I grew up and I consider to be my real home. I went to school with many Americans and we listened to the far east network radio, so I had this weird kind of affiliation with the US. My father was from Birmingham in the UK and my mother from Australia. The reason I mention all this is because of this, I find myself in DTLA which is such a cosmopolitan place and it’s where I really feel at home. I moved here a year ago from Australia. It’s been a massive gamble on my part, financial, emotional and professionally. But, I knew this was the place for me. The art scene in LA is exploding and I can go to a different gallery every day if I felt like it and never get bored. The arts community is super supportive and open-minded which is what creates a dynamic and intelligent community on the whole. I have a brilliant studio in the wholesale food district that is my super happy place. Since moving here, I’ve had a solo show and been invited to take part in art fairs and group shows. Right now I’m working on a series of paintings based on my experience of living in Down Town.

Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think anyone gets out of life unscathed. I’ve had my share of tragedy but it’s been balanced out with pure happiness. Being an artist is a very weird profession if you think about it. I think most people have an idea I sit in my studio wearing a beret and contemplating a bowl of fruit. But in reality, it’s just plain hard work like any other job. I try to use my life experiences as fodder for my work so good and bad can be seen as a blessing. I try to practice being in the moment as much as possible that way I can keep my equilibrium.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kaye Freeman story. Tell us more about the business.
I treat my art as my business obviously because its how I pay the rent. I think what appeals to people about my work is the sense of exuberance and energy that emanates from my drawings and paintings. It resonates with all kinds of people. I try to keep an objective eye so for example the huge tryptic of DTLA stopped many people in their tracks and forced them to re-examine their own relationship with many of the challenges that exist in LA. I think what separates me or sets me apart is my use of color and line. I use a pretty bright and intense pallet to often convey a situation or feeling that can be pretty challenging. I try to create a balance.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
What I love most about LA is the diversity of people. I also think LA really is a city of Angels, I see people doing small quiet acts of charity every day and it fills my heart with so much hope. Unfortunately, there is an unforgivable amount of suffering too, but I know that the citizens of this town are doing so much to help and make a change. I would like it if the air quality in Down Town was a little better and if there were more green spaces but that’s nothing compared to how much I love this place. I also love that everyone loves dogs.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.kayefreeman.art
• Email: kaye.k.freeman@gmail.com
• Instagram: @kayefreemanart
• Other: https://www.artsy.net/show/house-of-wren-prolepsis-of-the-archetype

Image Credit:
@Cybellecodish, @martincoxphotography

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