Get to know: Ann Froomberg

This week we sit down to find out more about artist Ann Froomberg who paints silk for the EFO.

1. What was the first piece of art you remember making?

       I remember drawing and painting all my childhood and I have never stopped. I do remember an incident in infant school when the Head teacher made a special point of commenting on one of my drawings which I vividly remember was of people skating....she remarked on my illustration of the skates.

       2.   If you were an animal, what would you be?

       No idea......but I have always said if I had another life I would like to come back as a very loved and pampered domestic cat. I think cats are beautiful, I love the way they move, however, they are ruthless so not sure that would suit me.

        3.  An indulgence

        A warm and sunny holiday in my flat by the Red Sea

        4. When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

        I am very lucky, as to date, I have never had a “block”. I know I need to be relaxed and in a good space to create, but as my “day job” is commercial design, I had to learn many years ago to keep the creative juices flowing as there were always deadlines to meet.

       5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

       I lived in East Finchley for 30 years in a beautiful cul-de-sac called Shakespeare Gardens......it has very special memories for me and I miss living there.

       6. What inspires you to make more art?

        I am very peaceful when I have a paintbrush in my hand, I love the act of painting, mixing colours and creating shapes, I usually listen to music at the same time. So I suppose it’s such a pleasure that I just want to keep making more designs. I find every piece of work a challenge and different from anything else I have ever created before...so I am never bored. As I am a designer by profession I need to work to earn a crust too.

 7. How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

       Many years ago I visited the Brighton Festival and had my first taste of open studios. I was so excited by the whole experience and thought how I would love to open my home if the opportunity ever came my way. In 2004 I received a flyer through my door with information about the first EFO open house exhibitions. Consequently I visited every house and then, at the first art fair in Nov 2004 I made enquiries how to join which I did immediately. I have been very involved ever since.

      

       8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

       I have lived in London all my life and my memories are too numerous to mention.....this is a really hard question. I know one of my favourite places is Kenwood on Hampstead Heath, so I guess some of my fondest memories were the picnic concerts many years ago (when anyone could just turn up, lay down a rug and enjoy the occasion), especially if there were fireworks.

       9. What are you doing at the moment?
       I am a freelance textile designer by profession so I am always working on the next design collection.
       I also have just completed a new furnishing fabric collection which is being exhibited in Germany and I paint silks for the EFO and I am just starting to think about new work for the Open in the summer.

       10.Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

        I have a website: www.annfroombergdesign.com

       I am also on Facebook: Ann Froomberg Hand Painted Silks

Get to know us: Adam E Justice-Mills

What better way to start the New Year than by us introducing ourselves to you? Starting from today, we will publish a series of mini-interviews with our artist so that you can get to know us a bit better. Today's turn is Adam E Justice-Mills who is a photographer, drawer, and painter.

•        What was the first piece of art you remember making?

I remember making a geometric painting which I was doing in a simple way when I was about 6 or 7, but when the painting was finished, I couldn't think how it worked, as it came out very tri-dimensional and I remember being fascinated by the fact that it worked, as a piece of art in a way I wasn't expecting to, and I couldn't work out why. I wish I could remember what the painting was!!

•     If you were an animal, what would you be?

That is a hard question. I’d like to be a hippopotamus because they are cute and scary.

•         An indulgence

My indulgence is largely chocolate, that is something I really like to indulge in, especially the 75 to 85% variety….Chocolate and a good book.

•         When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

I suppose, probably not being very clear about what you want to say in the art…taking it too seriously also can affect the process.

•         Favourite place in East Finchley?

Probably Amici’s, I like it here.

•      What inspires you to make more art?

Well 2 things; one is if I am about to do a show and I haven’t got anything and that is quite a push, and the other thing is when I see other people doing stuff and I think I would like to give it a try. 

•      How did you got involved in the East Finchley Open?

I got roped in to an event and after the event I was asked if I wanted to do it again and here we are 10 years later!

•       What is your fondest memory of London?

Going to see Sound of Music in a big cinema, that was lovely experience.

• What are you doing at the moment?

I am busy trying to combine music, sound and memory into my art.

To learn more about Adam's art, simply click here!!