Interview: The Artist Irene Friedrich

Meine Interview-Reihe mit Menschen aus den verschiedensten kreativen Bereichen geht weiter. Diesmal hat die Künstlerin Irene Friedrich meine Fragen beantwortet. Irene ist auch bekannt unter ihrem Künstlernamen IneF. In ihrer intuitiven Malerei kombiniert sie ihre Leidenschaft für Farben und Kunst.

Irene Friedrich blickt auf über 20 Jahre künstlerische Tätigkeit zurück. Sie malt, organisiert Workshops und leitet Malevents. Ihre Werke sind inspiriert von ihrer klaren Ablehnung des Perfektionismus in der Kunst.

Introduction

What is your name?
Irene (Ine) Friedrich

Where do you live?
64331 Weiterstadt, Hessen

What kind of art/creativity do you mainly do? (Painting, sculpture, photography, digital design, etc.)
I mainly paint with acrylics and oils.

Have you had any formal training, or are you self-taught?
Unfortunately, I couldn't afford formal training at the time. So, I have been painting as a self-taught artist for 25 years.

Where can people see your work? Do you have a website or social media profiles you would like to share?
I have a website and am also active on Instagram and Threads.

You Are Creative. Why?

How Did You Get Into Art? Where Did Your Creative Journey Begin?

I am very visually oriented and draw my strength and tranquility from the color contrasts that only nature can offer. I try to imbue my works with feelings and expression, and that’s what I love about painting.

Back then, we renovated our living room and lacked appropriate pictures (at that time, it was common to hang framed poster prints on the walls).

We were searching for posters and frames in the art section of a Bauhaus store when my then-husband stood in front of me with an easel and a 80x60 cm canvas under his arm and said, "You’re going to paint pictures for our walls, you can do it!"

The first painting I completed in 2001 still exists today and, despite high demand, will never be sold or given away.

What Inspires You?

Abstract art. The process of finishing a painting, the journey to get there. The variety of colors, tools, and above all, the courage you must repeatedly muster. There is no failure in art – only continuous learning and, ultimately, the mysterious. I don’t have to tell anyone what to see in my paintings. Everyone is free to interpret them in their own way.

And indeed, everyone sees something different in them.

Are there any particular artists or styles that influence you?

Abstract art. The process of finishing a painting, the journey to get there. The variety of colors, tools, and above all, the courage you must repeatedly muster. There is no failure in art – only continuous learning and, ultimately, the mysterious. I don’t have to tell anyone what to see in my paintings. Everyone is free to interpret them in their own way.

And indeed, everyone sees something different in them.

Are There Certain Artists Or Styles That Influence You?

In the "Industrial" field, there are indeed some artists I admire for their craftsmanship. Initially, I incorporated a lot of their influence into my work. Today, I prefer to follow my own style and draw less inspiration from other artists.

What does your creative process look like?

What are your favourite materials and tools to use and why?

I have an incredibly large selection of brushes, but I paint almost everything with just one or two favorite brushes.

My preferred medium is acrylic on canvas, which is quite classic. I usually decide what tools to use based on my intuition.

I really enjoy using the spatula. With it, I can apply, spread, work in patterns, scrape away, recreate, and build wonderful layers. This way, a piece often gets its own history. Beneath the actual painting, there are countless other shapes, colors, patterns, and even images. That fascinates me.

Is There A Particular Project Or Work That Is Important To You?

Currently, I'm working on a series that depicts various cultures. I let my imagination run wild and develop ideas that I then bring to life artistically. The culture of other countries has always been something that fascinated me, and whenever I had the chance to travel, it was usually on individual trips. This way, I could have the most direct experiences with locals.

What Was The Biggest Challenge You Faced As An Artist?

My first solo exhibition was in 2005 at the small palace in Prinz-Emil's Garden in Darmstadt.

How Important Is It For You To Connect And Interact With Other Artists And Creatives?

I think that's really important. As mentioned above, you never stop learning.

What Does Art Mean To You? What Role Does It Play In Your Life?

It's almost comparable to the inner pig-dog in sports. It punishes me, leaving me feeling unbalanced and restless if I go even a short time without painting.

What Do You Think Is The Role Of Art In Society?

What Role Do Artists Play Within Society?

"Without art, it gets lonely." In the past and today, art is a form of expression, rebellion, and profound emotions. Many have found their voice through art.

I can only speak for myself, but I see part of my role as conveying this to people. Everyone can paint, and since there are no ugly pictures, art should be viewed without judgment. I think it's important to pass this perspective on.

Which Topics Are Important To You?

Is There A Theme Or A Message That You Want To Convey In Your Art?

Well, there are so many topics, but listing them all would probably go beyond the scope here. So: Art can be a beautiful wall decoration for the living room, but also much more. It all depends on the viewer’s perspective.

Thank you very much, Ine.

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