We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brenda Fraser. Check out our conversation below.
Brenda, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The most misunderstood aspect of being an independent artist is that you are operating a “business” vs. a hobby. This was a big sticking point with a tax preparer who said they asked the question at a tax conference and were told that being an artist is like being a “horse breeder.” A horsebreeder rides his horse for pleasure, and then occasionally breeds that horse. To that I say, “Horse Sh—–t.”
What some people don’t see nor understand is that to be a full time artist takes a lot of focused and dedicated work behind the scenes. Necessary administrative duties like logging expenses and sales, maintaining one’s website, writing blogs, and crafting newsletters are just some of the tasks that must get done consistently, and are certainly nothing like riding one’s horse.
Artists are constantly applying for gallery shows or residencies, looking for new outlets to sell art, delivering and picking up their art all over the region, and meeting with customers to discuss custom orders. Those meetings make take place at a coffee shop, but that’s still work!
There’s a lot of effort required to get an art business off and running, with an intention to make a profit, but more importantly to bring more JOY to the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
From jewelry design to jewelry deconstructing, I love working with colors and various metals to create dynamic mosaics, often in memory or honor of someone. I use wood and metal shapes, oftentimes wildlife animals like elephants, jaguars, dolphins, and horses, to create wall art that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Some people have boxes or drawers full of old vintage jewelry and they don’t know what to do with it. I help them keep the jewelry and display it in meaningful ways on picture frames, shapes, or a “Tree of Life.”
I’m from New England originally, and spent 14 years in Washington, DC, raising money for worthy causes. A car accident in 1996 disrupted my career goals, severely injuring me, and resulting in the death of my mother. I had a long road to recovery. Her jewelry was taken by older sisters and ultimately, the only ring I was given of hers was stolen in a home invasion. I have survived a tragedy and recovered emotionally through art. My mosaic designs are inspired by mother’s collection, and other mothers’ collections.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I wrote poetry and illustrated a small book for my mother at a very young age. I took art classes at the local art museum that I spent after school hours roaming through as a “latch-key” kid. And for a few years, I had piano lessons. I also made crafts with kits that came in the mail.
Despite these artistic pursuits, the biggest lie I told myself as a child is that I was not an artist. I thought I might grow up to be a writer or a journalist. I wrote for my high school and college newspapers and even was published in a local daily newspaper. I went into fund raising and marketing as a career and worked in offices in Washington, DC and in Denver, CO. I denied my creative talents and pushed them aside.
But what inspired me over the years were my many visits to art museums ranging from the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery and the West Wing, to the Phillips Collection, in Washington, DC. Everywhere I traveled, I always checked out the local art galleries and shops that sold handmade crafts. I went to alot of art festivals too. I was unaware that these excursions were filling my head with creative ideas, designs, and permission to explore my own creative abilities.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Defining wounds of my life were the physical wounds of a car crash which resulted in several broken bones, but more importantly a broken heart at the loss of my mother.
Other injuries, both physical and emotional, was a physical attack in west Africa when I was there on a volunteer mission to work with women jewelry designers. I was there for two weeks, attended the Harvest Festival and witnessed the centuries-old ceremonial dances performed by the young, and old women of the villages. I sat by the Queen and her court. I hiked a local mountain in extreme heat and humidity, but I reached the top. I also traveled for many hours across the countryside to see the tallest waterfalls in west Africa. It was a scary adventure but it was worth the challenging road trip, crossing a lake by ferry boat, and seeing extreme poverty and yet a beautiful culture, rich in traditions.
At the end of my two-week volunteer experience, I was physically attacked in my sleeping area that was inside a building with three locked doors. However, I did form a lifelong friendship with a local woman, encouraged her to go to college, supported her from across the globe, and exchanged pictures of our lives. She calls me “mother”, an endearing term not literal of course. I hope to see her again one day.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends and supporters know that social justice and advocacy for women’s education is very important to me. They know about my “Dream Uplifters” program to provide scholarship aid for women returning to college after a lapse between high school and college. I also support a woman in Ghana.
I am often promoting other artists, lifting up the artist community, and spreading the word about good organizations like “Artists Thrive” and Mid-America Arts Alliance. I share information often about Calls for Art and opportunities for artists to enrich themselves.
My friends would say that I care about our local community and have stood up for what I believe in, speaking truth to power, and for our American citizens to participate and vote in local elections.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I seek solitude in nature, I walk labyrinths, and I attend annual silent retreats.
When the world seems too noisy, I try to sit quietly and meditate or pray.
I’m at peace also when I’m in an art gallery for some reason. The large rooms, the art silently hanging waiting to be looked at, and the reverance around the art.
I’m also at peace at the ocean, by a lake or river, or even in my own pool. Water has a way of calming my mind. It is also a way to renew and refresh my creative batteries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BrendaFraser.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BrendaFraserMosaicArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendafraser1/
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/ButterflyandMoon
Image Credits
Brenda Fraser
