Craig Freeman was born in the California Bay Area and became interested in art and music very early on. At age five he started piano and still plays for enjoyment and relaxation. It was his high school art teacher Winifred Lane who took a special interest in Craig supplying him with encouragement, extra painting supplies for the summer and organizing shows of his work. Coming home after summer vacation he found a check for the purchase of ten paintings he had done that year - that was a defining moment.