Freda Ghantous - Behind The Brush
Today on ze blog is the freakin' TALENTED Freda Ghantous. Now, you may wonder why I fell in love with her art work? Just look at her array of pieces and tell me why you think I'm obsessed with her work? Yep...you guessed it...because it's all of RnB royalty babeh! So of course when I found her on the 'gram, I clicked that Follow button immediately.
Over the last couple of months we've grown a friendship and she even sent me one of her Tupac and Biggie prints...which I'm absolutely OBSESSED with!
Before we get into the interview...I thought I'd start with this quote I found from her:
"I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't ever picked up a pencil or brush. I feel blessed that this passion was passed down to me through many generations, and owe my love for art, especially to my dad. Art gives me hope, it gives my life direction and it gives me clarity."
Just beautiful right!?
So I hope you've poured yourself a glass of Gin n Juice...now sit back and enjoy hearing from ma gurl Freda.
Hey lovely, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
At the moment this is a side hustle! I am also a High School teacher - I teach Visual Arts and English.
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
I primarily work with oil paint - I loveee oil paint! I also draw but everything about oil paint excites me! It’s my preferred medium because I love the wet on wet approach and being able to control the paint the way I want.
I recently was gifted an iPad Pro so I’m definitely keen to learn how to go digital. Your work is amazing, giiirl! Teach me your ways!!
Hahaha stop it!
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
Balanced
Musical
Infused
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I’m a 90’s baby and growing up, my sister was always pumping old school RnB so music has always been a big part of my life. I collect books relating to music and art, so I am often inspired by what I read and the music that I listen to.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
What a great question! I would have to say Nike. I’d love to be able to paint on a pair of sneakers! Life goal!
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
I had a few of my pieces liked by Ai Wei Wei who is a contemporary artist and activist! I was pretty pumped - Especially after seeing his work in parallel with Warhol’s at the NGV in Melbourne.
Cole World! Definitely J Cole.... I would just die inside!
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Reading or playing around on Procreate!
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
I have to say create, create, create! Just keep pushing forward despite the challenges. Resilience is vital and growing thick skin is so important. There are always going to be people who want to take from your light but you should never let them! Let your passion ooze out of everything you do. Engage and network with like-minded people as much as possible and get yourself a kick-ass group of people who will support you personally and constructively!
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Freda for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. It's been awesome learning more about you!
Want to see more of Freda's amazing work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @fredaghantous
Website: https://www.fredaghantous.com/