A Conversation with Frederick Goldstein
Q: Do you remember your dreams? If so, do your dreams play a role in your creative process? If you don’t, what other influence(s) plays a role in your creative process?
A: Maybe the notion of dreams in evolving art is a matter of necessity. For example, when I first made sculptures with wood, I was unable to manipulate the sculptures the way I wanted. It always looked too bulky. Then I started making metal sculptures. I spent time in the studio of Felipe Luque, a very talented sculptor and painter. He showed me how to achieve texture with metal using welding rods. Then I realized there were shapes and textures I wanted to create with metal that I could not achieve with a welder. As a result, I learned to use blacksmithing with a coal fire, hammer and anvil. I suppose I dreamed what I wanted to do and then learned new skills to accomplish what I wanted to create.
Q: When did you know or discover you had artistic talent? Did you just start drawing, painting, creating one day and realized you could?
A: I can remember as a small child how much I liked to draw and, more importantly, how much opportunity I had to create. Everyone has talent. Not everyone has encouragement and opportunity.
Q: Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Westville, Connecticut on the outskirts of New Haven.
Q: What was your childhood like? Do you think your childhood experiences influenced your present creative endeavors?
A: Growing up I had a variety of interests, specifically sports and art. I always enjoyed working with my hands. At one point I was a tennis pro and tournament player. When I would travel to tournaments, I would string my own rackets using a broom stick and awls. At a young age I created abstract sculptures out of wood.
Q: Have you ever doubted your talent? If so, how do you work through the doubt?
A: I doubt myself all the time. I start designing sculptures with rough sketches. Often the final sculpture does not resemble the sketch at all. There are days I go to the studio and spend just a short time and other times when I start early and the entire day passes and I feel content.
Q: What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
A: I like to design sculptures that have grace, movement or make a cultural or societal statement. I like to create using the concept of “wabisabi” in my sculptures, finding beauty in imperfection. I am especially inspired and honored when my sculptures are installed in public places. “The Maestro” is a sculpture on the Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, adjacent to the Performing Arts Center and is listed on the Smithsonian directory of art in public places in Washington, D.C.; “Parents and Child” is in a State of Florida office building; “Returning Soldier” is in the Dania Beach, Florida city hall atrium.
