Thinking About Wes Freed's Mirthful Art

by F.T. Rea

Note #1: What follows this note is a portion of a work-in-progress about Wes Freed's art that I am penning. Hopefully, this preview of that article will stimulate more interest in Wes' fine art. Once I am done with crafting the piece, we'll see where it lands. Here goes... 

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Artist/musician, Wes Freed (1964-2022), grew up on a family farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, near Staunton. At Virginia Commonwealth University (in Richmond) he became a trained artist. Major: Painting and Printmaking. Minor: Sculpture. 

Freed's art consistently displays a natural confidence, particularly so with design. Which, in this instance means the eye-pleasing, harmonious arrangement of the elements in play. As for what his art is about, the images he created tended to radiate a sense of delight. It's easy to pick up the feeling that the artist enjoyed making the stuff. 

Moreover, Wes was an original, he wasn't copying anybody's style. Which is part of why his rock 'n' roll posters and other sundries have been sought after and collected by his fans and friends for a good many years.

 
Speaking of the collectible angle, Wes' art certainly has the necessary ingredients to be in demand. The foremost of which is that it's quite distinctive. On top of that, those whimsical Wes Freed-designed posters are authentic artifacts of an era's cool nightlife scene. That goes for the countless posters he designed to promote staged events. The album covers. The celebrations of particular show biz luminaries he regarded as "inspirations." And, in support of worthy causes that he cared about.

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"The Art of Wes Freed" is the title of Freed's 2019 coffee table book. Throughout it he presents his story in pictures and words. The playful subtitle of the 160-page book displaying a trove of Freed's mirthful art is, "Paintings, Posters, Pin-ups & Possums." 

Stemming from recent sales of that book, as well as some prints and original pieces, it seems the value of his art is solidifying in the merch-collecting world. The fact that Freed's art has already been seen all over the USA for many years, due to his series of posters, album covers, etc. -- in particular, for the Drive-By Truckers -- gives it an advantage in the collectibles marketplace. So, best not throw away any of those old Capital City Barn Dance or Willard's Garage posters you've kept over the years. Some day, selling off a genuine piece of Freed art might pay the month's rent. 

The foreword of Freed's generously illustrated book was written by Patterson Hood (songwriter, performer and co-founder of Drive-By Truckers). Then, in the first chapter Wes tells of how he met and befriended Hood and the other members of the band (now celebrating its 40th anniversary). Lots of pieces of the art Freed created to promote DBT's shows and merchandise are displayed. Other chapters carry page after page of various other show posters, pin-ups and such.

Just for the record, Wes was truly an unapologetic possum fan. 

To be continued...

Note #2: The Wes Freed Memorial Scholarship.

Note #3: All rights concerning the words and art above are reserved.

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