The Fulton Street Collective presented Gravitational Radiation with an artist reception for Ms. Niki Frazier. This artist is a Chicago native who began teaching herself to paint at the age of 18.
Frazier worked with metals, oils, acid rust, patina, and resin to create a variety of florals and figures.Her artistic process incorporates chemistry with creativity.
In an interview, Frazier discussed her inspiration to begin working with her medium. She stated,
“A friend of mine was opening a business and she had me finishing a bunch of metal accents for the room. The more I played with it the more I thought, what would it do on paper? What would it do on canvas? It basically started this whole style for me.”
Having explored this method for five years now, she expressed later during the interview that she has never gone to art school and uses no “proper technique. This phrase may seem like a negative characteristic of her art, but it has produced vibrant effects.
Her work has less conventional aspects of traditional art but her choice to work with oil and liquid metals demands a proper execution of chemistry. The rigidity of science and the release of control make her painting successful in both style and execution.
Her art has allowed her to network with skilled students, professors, and other artists. She considers her art style to be established. She has learned techniques that help her find compositions within the shapes. By carefully manipulating chemistry, she imposes her subconscious image on the canvas.
One incredible composition was titled Wisteria. It incorporated oils, copper, acid patina, fast-drying medium, and resin. This painting has a color palette that gives a positive connotation without being overly vibrant.
She used directionality and orientation to give the painting an uplifting motion. Using light, stroke textures make use of the interaction of the metallic paint. She unifies the composition with the rest of the gallery exhibition by using a dark vignette, which is very purposely selected to allow darkness to show without overtaking the painting.
Alongside Frazier’s paintings, she incorporated the works of her daughters. One panel illustrating extinction belonged to her 10-year-old which focused on the topic of extinction. Ezra illustrated her concern for the Koalas from the Australian wildfires and is also working on digital illustrations.
Her reception was a success as people collectively gathered in the Gallery. The Fulton Street Collective is a modernized warehouse full of activities for people interested in the arts. The staff was welcoming and the venue was aesthetic.
As a pleasant host, she made the experience comfortable for everyone. Frazier welcomed all of her guests and made conversation with everyone throughout the night. She would often begin conversations with a smile and depart with a hug.
She was approachable and humorous to strangers and a long time friend to others. The room was filled with music and a bustling conversation.
This venue has a few great accommodations, such as a free onsite parking lot. It is accessible with ramps and elevators. There were free coat checks and entries. Beverages were reasonably priced with a great bartender. The evening was well worth the trip for great art and pleasant conversations.