Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Fraser.
Nancy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Painting and drawing was always a part of me. From a very early age, I knew I had a natural gift and I loved creating. When I was young, being an artist gave me confidence. I got attention for my talent, along with awards and recognition. I majored in art at the University of San Diego with an emphasis on painting and drawing where I had an opportunity to study art in Aix en Provence, France. Upon graduation, however, is when my struggle with art began. I no longer had the confidence art once provided for me. I lacked the belief that I could make a living as an artist. There was no social media at the time to use as a platform. I had no idea how to get started, what business moves I could make or how I could support myself. Because of this, for several years, I stopped painting, staying busy with other careers and raising a family. But as my 3 sons grew and needed me less, I knew I had time to invest back in myself. I first started working on commissioned pieces for designers, and as I did, my confidence grew. I started throwing myself out there, really embracing any opportunities that came my way. I put my art on consignment in beautiful stores and design studios, I displayed art publicly in restaurants, I participated in art walks, posted my work often on social media, created a website, I even threw my hat in the ring for creating a horse for the Breeders Cup Art of the Horse Event being held in Del Mar. My design was selected and a life-size fiberglass horse was delivered to my home studio. My horse, titled La Mare de la Mer, was displayed at Del Mar Plaza in the months leading up to the November race and then auctioned off prior to the event. I said yes to anything that could do that could give me new art experiences and knowledge. These years of taking chances have provided me an opportunity to be doing something I truly love. I am so blessed to work with talented designers, and wonderful clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road nor would I say it’s been terribly rocky. It’s been all of the above, just like any new adventure.
When your hard work pays off it feels really great, when you experience failure, it stings a bit. But, when I fail, I just remind myself that it doesn’t mean I am a failure, it just helps me grow, learn, and make progress.
Creating art feels very personal to me so my biggest struggle has always been fearing criticism, that people won’t like me or my work, and it will hurt my feelings. But finally, in my forties, and with the help of yoga and meditation, I was able to find acceptance within me (most of the time) and not be so concerned about other people’s approval.
So, my advice to women would be to just GO FOR IT! (And please don’t wait a decade to do it, like I did.) Believe, trust, accept and allow yourself the opportunity to be who you want to be right now!
Find inquiry and embrace continual learning because there is a wonderful community of artists willing to share their experiences and knowledge with you.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Living in Cardiff by the Sea for most of my adult life, I am inspired by our beautiful California Coast. I prefer a modern edge on a traditional landscape using a minimalistic or abstract approach. My artwork is very calming, peaceful and often ethereal. This is what I’m most proud of in my work. I don’t just want to create a beautiful painting but rather create an emotional experience when viewed.
My intention as an artist is to invite the viewer into the same tranquil place that the sea provides for me. There is certain mindfulness when I spend time near the ocean and through my artwork, I hope to create that same internal and external experience for my viewers.
Local designer, Lori Ramsay, who has a painting in her office said, “whatever is happening, when I look at it, my shoulders relax away from my ears and I breathe.” Local yoga instructor and Emotional code practitioner, Kelli Russell, said that her piece in her home gives her a sense of peace and mystery as she gazes at it, “I look at this every day and find new ways to love it”. Comments like these from people in our community means so much to me. It is exactly what I hope to achieve in my work.
In addition to my serene seascapes and abstracts, I also specialize in working directly with designers, to create a particular piece for a particular space. I enjoy collaborating with interior designers, using their vision to create a piece of any size, color pallet, look and feel they need for an interior space. Collaborating with other designers can be an opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone and really experience new and exciting techniques.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Whatever your journey may be, it’s up to you to say yes. Don’t be afraid of the beginning. Know that you are brave enough to expand into new territory. Your journey is not about the endpoint so step into the adventure and be ready to embrace the ups and downs and all arounds.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
nancyfraserfineart.com - Phone: 760-213-2764
- Email: nancy@
nancyfraserfineart.com - Instagram: instagram.com/@nf_
coastal.art - Facebook: facebook.com/@
nancyfraserfineart
Image Credit:
Erica Delorme, Nancy Fraser
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