Interviewing Elise Freda was a breath of fresh air. She is an accomplished painter, whose rich, abstract works reflect a gravitational pull toward the lineage in nature’s script. Her love of gesture is evident, and the sway of fluidity and rhythm in her paintings captivates. Getting lost in the trance such as her work can induce is pure joy.

Regarding the title of her upcoming exhibition at Inner Space Fine Arts, Freda shares: “The title Garden (Un) Varietyevolved from the process of making my paintings. I am a process painter. I find my images as I am making them. Nature is a rich source for my work. Trees, plants, flowers, grasses—all inspire me. I am attracted to the linear aspects I see in nature—I call it nature’s calligraphy. ‘Garden Variety’ might emphasize a common sensibility—whereas I thought Garden (Un) Variety would imply variety with difference between each painting.”

A concentration in simple brush stroke and hue, and variance in shades of blue, are celebrated particularly in two works,Flowering Trees and Pansies. Freda has said that “connecting with and feeling a part of nature; to see, feel, think, and to respond to this experience of living by making art, is to live a fully engaged life.” This writer found that radiance particularly evident and mesmerizing in her two studies.

Reflecting on the moment, Freda says, “Right now, this is a coming together in full circle moment for me. I want to express how magical this is for me, to be included in Art New England. One of my first reviews was featured in Art New England, inthe 1989 October issue, written by Margot Clark. The exhibition, entitled Interior/Exterior: Four Visions, was at the Sharon Arts Center, in Sharon, NH. Margot was one of my art professors, of whom I was in awe of in college. She referenced my use of line—twice. The element of line has always been a constant for me through all the following decades. She also referenced a contemplative, emotional tone. Both components remain at the core of my paintings. Margot captured the essence of my work.”