Inez Froehlich: Lost Places and the Beauty of the Moment

Inez Froehlich primarily produces abstract, large-format and textured paintings in acrylic. The focus in all works is on creating a tension between color and texture, between seeing and feeling, between emergence and decay.

Interview by Ummuhan Kazanc

 

                                                                                Inez Froehlich.

Dear Inez Froehlich, we are delighted to have your works featured in my blog. We would like to get to know you better. I think your relationship with art started at a very young age. Can we learn about the transition process to professional art life? How did the table replace the easel, as you mentioned in your resume?

I grew up in the former GDR. The years after reunification were a time of new beginnings and reorientation for many people. That was also the case for me. After my university studies, I first worked as a graduate engineer in various companies. But I lacked the freedom, the creativity, and the opportunity to implement my own ideas. That was the decisive point to go my own way. And so it happened that art became the center of my life.

                                Inez Froehlich, “Ikaria”, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 150 cm.

Have you produced works in the field of Abstract Art since you started to be interested in art? How did the process of producing works in the field of Abstract Art develop?

Well, I was interested in many motifs. For a while, it was the landscapes that did it to me. Later it was cityscapes. It took a while until I discovered the abstractions for me.

The focus in all your works is on creating a tension between color and texture, between seeing and feeling, between emergence and decay. What can you tell about your approach to painting? Where do you get your inspiration?

I think, on the one hand, people regret that many things are ephemeral. Beautiful moments in life, ourselves, but also all that surrounds us. Time leaves its traces. On the other hand, the transience makes the value and in it also lies a certain magic. New things arise where old things go. These transitions are what inspire me.

                                Inez Froehlich, “Wild Sea”, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 160 x 80 cm.

Every art observer will have a different taste from your paintings and will catch a different detail. How is the relationship and reaction between your paintings and art audiences?

Very often collectors and art lovers give me the feedback that they see the work in ever new facets. The structures and the color combinations I have chosen leave room for maneuver in the contemplation. And of course, just the strong textures interact with the light. Shades are created depending on the incidence of light, so that each work also allows a visual journey of discovery.

                                Inez Froehlich, “Midsummer”, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 80 cm.

What can you say about these multi-layers in your works? How do you get the layers in your paintings?

First I work with different structural materials on the canvas. I prefer free forms and wait for the random changes during the drying process. Then I decide whether I stay in one color spectrum and a monochrome painting is created or whether I combine different shades. The finished work is created by applying colors in several steps with different spatulas and squeegees, let dry, partially remove again and add a new layer.

I really loved the blurring, watering down of your paintings. These techniques offer a very effective look. Can we get some more detailed information about these secrets of yours?

Metallic colors are also used in many of my works. So I use, for example, gold pigments. In conjunction with the acrylic paints arise area in the paintings, which appear very vivid due to the reflection of light.

                                Inez Froehlich, “Disturbances”, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 80 cm.

Finally, what are your plans for future in terms of art? Are you considering a solo exhibition?

I have no exhibitions planned for this year. I am working on some bigger projects for different clients and also want to spend some more time with the family. I love very much to work in the studio, but it is also necessary to relax, meet family and friends, to get new thoughts, new inspirations for further work.

 

                                                                                    Inez Froehlich.

A detail from the works of Inez Froehlich.

Inez Froehlich, “Sunny Afternoon”, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 120 cm.