The InstigatorChloe Frydenlund is an artist creating under her childhood nickname, Clover. Making art is in her nature, drawn to the brush by a calling she’s felt throughout her life. But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s hear from the artist, herself —
Are you a full-time artist?
I am a full-time artist, but when I am not painting or doing something art-related, I am a stay-at-home mom to my two children. I have been painting consistently for the last four years, but have only recently been able to start to phase out of my decade-long massage therapy career due to high demand for the arts.
What or who inspires your art?
The collective human experience is something that greatly inspires me. Spiritual concepts and the right stream of words or music often give me a great deal of visual imagery. I love painting faces, especially those of women who are full of feeling, expression and empowerment. Animals are a forever muse for me in all of their visual differences and in how much symbolism they carry. Art has been a pathway to finding myself, and in that, I suppose my own hardships and victories have inspired whatever it is that I produce.
How do you typically approach a new project or piece of art?
When the time comes to start a new piece of art, unless it is a specific commission, I often wait for the idea to come to me. If I wait long enough, I pray for the idea, and it always comes. Once I have the concept for the painting, I find reference images to support my idea and then I get to work.
Do you have a favorite medium or tool?
My favorite medium without a doubt is oil paints. I sometimes use acrylic to build up the initial layers to speed up the process, but I love the richness of oils.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
Whenever I feel creatively blocked, I take a step back. I’ve noticed the more I force the creativity, the more “blocked” my block gets. I read, go on walks with my family to the river, garden, and anything that connects me to nature generally gets the river of inspiration flowing. And if all else fails, I wait until I hear the call. And it always calls.
How many pieces or what did you create for Offbeat?
I have lost exact count of how many pieces of art I have made for Offbeat Coffee. I have painted several plant paintings for the front room and six iconic musician portraits for the vinyl room. I embellished a vintage painting and extended the artwork out onto the walls as a forest mural. I did a painting of 20-plus musical references and extended that out onto the wall as well. Last but not least, I did the floor-to-ceiling bathroom mural with the giant bunny. Offbeat has been such a fun collaboration for me and I am excited to see what the future has in store.
Find her work online at cloverartwork.com
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 19 (Spring 2024)
