Brandon Freeman

I began my exploration in oil painting very experimentally; investigating the pigments and textures I could create with brush and palette knife to see what appeals to me, fundamentally, on a purely aesthetic and emotional level. I have been a dancer, a deeply physical and thoughtful performing artist through a journey of 30 years. Painting objects, per se, has never been an interest of mine. Rather, I choose to explore the undefinable and intangible transcendence I feel in my actions as a Dance artist and, thus, paint with a more abstract and emotional approach.

My constant exploration has led me to paint using my fingers. I may use a palette knife here and there for an effect, but I find great pleasure in the visceral feel of the pigments as I manipulate and "sculpt" with my hands. As a professional contemporary dancer, my livelihood calls on my full body as a tool. It makes sense that I enjoy painting as a directly physical task, without the intermediary of utensils. I do not use an easel. I paint with my canvas on the floor, where I am free to be physical.