by Brent Cole

Though the phrase is often times used without hesitation, a truly groundbreaking artist is a rare find in this day and age. A completely unique artistic expression is not only one-of-a-kind, but also incredibly difficult ground to break. But for Brooklyn, New York's Andy Friedman breaking ground simply means opening people's eyes, even if he pisses off much of the art community while doing it.

The concepts of art and music are that of building blocks. Songwriters and artists put their personal stamps on what they hear and see, implementing a fresh spin on something old and past its prime. This is exactly what Friedman, a slide show-poet, does, but on a whole new level.

Using projections of meaningful photographs and paintings on screen - the base of Friedman's expressions - he takes his audiences through a storytelling journey while his band quietly pounds country blues in the background. Sometimes, he join's the band's melody, singing his stories. Other times, it's pure spoken word. Either way, when it's all put together, this unique art form is effortlessly compounded into a seamlessly mastered combination of painting, photography and music - so much so, three distinct movements become one broad oasis of expression. So far, New York magazine has fashioned the closest classification of his work, calling it "a country-blues-cabaret-rock-n-roll-spoken-song."

Friedman's slide show-poet work began three years ago - after he quit his job as the assistant cartoon editor at The New Yorker - devoting himself full-time to "creating art with substance." Friedman had grown increasingly frustrated with the state of art and felt it needed a change.

"Twentieth century was all about 'what is art?' Every painting, every sculpture was about that," Freidman explained. "What's happening in art for the most part is they're (the artists) scientists in the conceptual art laboratory. I think that there is a lack of emotional concern (in art). It's totally cerebral."

He added, as an afterthought, "It's all profound stuff, but what's the use, really?"

Instead of focusing on the cerebral end of art, Friedman focuses on the meaning, much like a musician who can play the same chords as countless others have, but with their entire soul put into it. It's the blues and it's country, according to Friedman, and it's about you and your life.

"It's what separates us from scientists. I'm not trying to make an argument for painting," he said. "I'm dealing with shit, man. People are dealing with shit, life's too much to handle without some kind of release."

"Country blues guys were they're for me when I was trying to do something new. They used what they had to express themselves. It's all about using what you have. That gave me a lot of confidence - all I know is what I'm doing is genuine."

To be sure, Friedman doesn't look at himself as a musician, but as an artist. "I want to be described as an artist. It's just something that comes out for me," he said. "I know it's something different and it's a new direction. I'm a painter, so I want it to be that a painter can be conceived the same way as Bruce Springsteen."

"This is my way of reflecting on myself, these are my songs. When everything is bad in life and goes south, there's a way to steer it back north. For me it's my songs," he said.

Though he looks at himself as a painter, Friedman aligns himself with musicians, where he sees a similar kinship.

"I'm a painter that looks at myself as a musician. For me, playing a guitar and singing is part of the painting," he said.

"People who like music are cool, they're doing it for the right reason."

What helps put Friedman's art over the top is his understanding of both music and art and how they affect the human existence, not only now, but throughout time. He has profound understanding of art movements throughout history and what the next step should be.

"Now that we know what art is, let's give that a rest and get back to the meditative states and now we can do it however we want. We've been taught the lessons," he said. "It should be about something. Let's go back into ourselves and turn the lens inward."

Continuing on this train of thought, it's obvious Friedman has a genuine passion for art and most importantly, its meaning. "Art is a result of each person's connection to their own existence. It's believable if it's coming from the inside out," he said.

Though his outlook on art has garnered him some enemies in the art community, Friedman has gained national attention in numerous publications over the last three years during his cross-country tours.

"I send the word, what can I say," Friedman said, with the confidence that comes from truly living your art. "I have a tasty worm on the end of my hook."

He continued, "People have been really supportive, I'm just being genuine. Most of this country likes some good genuine stuff put in front of them - it helps them realize they can do it themselves."

For Friedman, though, it all comes back to his art and what it's about - or more specifically, that it is truly about something. And this all comes out in his lives shows where the connection with the audience is as important as his work. Showing them a slice of life, about him and about themselves.

"My show is for people whose houses have burned down or will burn down," he said.