Contemporary Art

Artist Conversations: Linden Frederick (established artist) & Alison Rector (emerging artist)


	Artists Linden Frederick and Alison Rector in the studio.

This is the first in a series of articles intended to bring attention to emerging artists and their influences.

Alison Rector has studied with Belfast painter Linden Frederick for more than 10 years after receiving her BA in Studio Art at Brown University in Providence, RI. Alison Rector is represented by Ten High Street, Camden, Maine and Greenhut Gallery, Portland, Maine.

Linden Frederick studied at Houghton College, Houghton, NY, Ontario College of Art, Toronto, Canada and Florence, Italy. He has lived full-time in Maine since 1990. Linden Frederick is represented by Forum Gallery, New York City/Los Angeles.

Here they converse about that long-term and mutually beneficial relationship.

HOW DID WE MEET?

Alison: I think I took a workshop in color theory from you in 1994, being familiar with your work from Gallery 68 in Belfast. I was impressed with your approach to color and how you used it. At the workshop you asked me if I would be interested in taking lessons. I remember you gave away your painting from the workshop in a lottery by putting everyone's name in a hat! That was great.

Linden: Having to verbalize what I do actually helps me clarify it to my own work.

WHY DO WE LIVE AND WORK IN MAINE?


	Good Fences, Linden Frederick. Oil on linen, 2004, 40" x 40".

Alison: I came to Maine in 1990, to live in the country after living in the city and suburbs up to that point. I like the quiet of the rural life for my day to day work — it's easier to focus on what I'm doing — I live on a farm with my husband Eric Rector. I remember when we moved to Maine that I asked him for an "escape clause" in case I couldn't find any art or artists to connect with here, but as it's turned out I've connected with many more artists than when we lived in Boston.

Linden: Fringe places hit my buttons and Maine has a wealth of those — lots of places that are "underdeveloped" and have a lot of character. I like being in the "corner" of the country and the quiet that brings to my lifestyle.

Alison: Do you feel we are in a geographic disadvantage living here?

Linden: Quite the opposite - Maine has a cachet, to begin with, and I think we have an edge over much of the rest of the country because of Maine's historic ties to art. When I think of the number of Maine painters who are nationally known, both past and present, it's pretty impressive.

Alison: I agree and when I go to other places and see the work that is showing there - New York City, London - I'm impressed with how well Maine stacks up and how well we are represented. Our summer artist population is impressive as well as our internationally known art schools - the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture for example.


	Henry and Chick, Linden Frederick. Oil on linen, 2004, 40" x 40".


	Henry and Chick, Linden Frederick. Oil on linen, 2004, 40" x 40". Courtesy of the Forum Gallery


	Summer Nap, Alison Rector. Oil on linen, 28" x 28".


	Sunday Night, Alison Rector. Oil on linen, 20" x 24".