Meet Our Newsletter Editor Vicky Wolak Freeman
Vicky Wolak Freeman is a writer, copy editor, and occasional actor based in New York City. By day, she’s a copy editor and fact checker for Morning Brew. When she’s not doing that, she’s a frequent contributor to FemCatholic and to her own blog. She’s a member of the Red Mic Repertory Company, where she spent the pandemic doing virtual play readings. Her favorite credits include I Hate Hamlet (Deirdre), The Bad Seed (Christine), Crimes of the Heart (Chick Boyle), and As You Like It (Celia). She received her BA in writing from Ithaca College.
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: What brought you to NYC, and where did you come from?
VICKY WOLAK FREEMAN: I was born and raised in Wayne, NJ. In 2015, I moved back in with my parents after living in France for a year and started a 9-to-5 in New York City (living that bridge and tunnel life). In that time, I got really plugged in to the Catholic NYC community and built a wonderful life for myself here. I finally took the plunge and moved to the city full time in 2018.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?
My identity as a Catholic and my identity as an artist are closely intertwined. Even if what I'm creating isn't explicitly Catholic or for a Catholic audience, my faith shapes my perception and experience of the world, which ultimately manifests in the art I make.
For me, the greatest blessing of being a Catholic artist is the opportunity to evangelize in a really natural way. If Catholics are making art that reflects the good, the true, and the beautiful, people will be drawn in and engage with their work. Most of the people who have read my writing over the years are not Catholic, but I've gotten many messages saying they love when I write about my faith. People may be turned off by a theological debate, but may take the time to appreciate a piece of art that explores Catholicism in a good, true, and beautiful way.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
The various Catholic publications I've worked with over the years, including FemCatholic and right here at the Catholic Artist Connection! I'm also a 2022 alumna of the GIVEN Forum, and the people I met there and my mentor have also very much encouraged me as an artist and a person.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
I think more Catholics need to understand that a piece of art and a theology lesson are not the same thing. Similarly, I think many Catholic artists can feel boxed into only making "Catholic art" or "Christian art" and that they can't make anything with a broader appeal. I want to help Catholic artists experience the freedom to make the art the Holy Spirit is inspiring them to create and connect them with the spaces and outlets that best suit their work.
Where in NYC do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
I'm super involved in the Catholic NYC young adult community. I regularly volunteer at their monthly Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and co-lead a book club. Over the years, I've been on pilgrimages with them to Portugal, France, Mexico, and the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland. I've met so many wonderful friends through this community—including my husband, Charlie!
Where in NYC do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?
I'm the most inspired in beautiful buildings: churches, museums, even just historic neighborhoods. I also love vintage stores and secondhand bookstores. I love objects and places that tell a story.
What is your daily spiritual practice?
Some days, it's simply a Morning Offering. Other days, it's reading a passage of the Gospels and a little journal time. And when I have more time, I'm that person scribbling in my journal in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.
I just got back from a trip to St. Louis, and I had a free day to myself. I walked around the city, visited the Cathedral Basilica (which is honestly one of the most stunning churches I've ever seen), and took myself to the movies to see Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. I have a review of the film coming out soon on FemCatholic. The whole day filled my spiritual and artistic tank and it left me really recharged and excited for all the opportunities I have in the pipeline.
What are you most excited for in your new role at the Catholic Artist Connection?
I’ve been subscribed to The Connection for several years. Opening the newsletter in my email every week is both inspiring and encouraging, reminding me that I'm not alone in this wild, exciting vocation. I want to bring that sense of connection and belonging to other Catholic artists.