Audio By Carbonatix
When we last put the spotlight on 100 creative forces in Phoenix, it was no secret there were more than 100 individuals who were making waves in the local arts community. So as we count down to our annual Best of Phoenix issue, we’re profiling 100 more. Welcome (back) to 100 Creatives .
Fred Tieken was born in rural Illinois, and by the time he was 18 years old, he was touring the Midwest with his rock ‘n’ roll band. After releasing several albums and tiring of life on the road, he managed and produced other musicians.
He eventually left the music business to start his own design firm in Chicago. In 1986, he and his wife Gail moved the business to Phoenix and for the next 16 years Fred worked with corporate clients and painted inside the lines.
Now retired from the business world, Fred says he’s free to create artwork from his heart and record his impressions of the world around him with intensity and humor.
I came to Phoenix with . . . the frenetic energy of a fast-paced life in Chicago.
I make art because . . . it’s always been my way of life.
I’m most productive when . . . I don’t think too much about where my art is taking me.
My inspiration wall is full of . . . Basquiat, Warhol, Picasso, Miro, Calder, to name a few.
I’ve learned the most from . . . my own experiences in music, art, design and life.
Good work should always . . . inspire an emotion, be it good or bad.
The Phoenix creative scene could use . . . more collectors.
The Creatives, so far … (And while you’re here, check out 100 Tastemakers on Chow Bella.)
100:Lara Plecas
99. Isaac Caruso
98. Brandon Gore
97. Kelsey Dake
96. Hector Ruiz
95. Caroline Battle
94: Jennifer Campbell
93. Jeff Chabot
92. Tiffiney Yazzie
91. Daniel Germani
90. Irma Sanchez
89. Daniel m. Davis
88. Kirstin Van Cleef
87. Emmett Potter
86. Sarah Hurwitz
85. Christine Cassano
