Meet Aileen Frick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aileen Frick.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Chicago, Illinois. Having been raised in such a large metropolis, I have great appreciation for people and the buzz of the city. I’ve always been an observer and fascinated by people. During my childhood, I would pass time by sketching. After high school, although I wanted to become an interior designer, my parents encouraged me to pursue a more traditional job, and I graduated as a Civil Engineer in 1994. In 2001, I took my first painting class which stirred something within me that I could not ignore. Work, however, had me traveling for weeks at a time out of state, and so I was unable to take any classes. In 2004, when returning from work travels, I was excited to sign up painting classes at night. I was introduced to collage in 2007 and ever since, have made mixed media collage my primary focus. In 2008, I reduced my hours as an engineer allowing me to begin working as a full-time artist.

Please tell us about your art.
I create 2D Mixed Media Collage Painting that incorporates both torn magazine pieces as well as paint.

As far as my creative process, it begins with a moment of inspiration. I work off of photographs that I take, and oftentimes when I’m going about my usual day, will see something that I screams ‘Painting’ to me. Whether its the light, or colors or mood. I quickly scramble for my cell phone and grab a photo so I can recreate that moment. Based on the photo, I make a drawing and then search through piles of magazines looking for the right colors, patterns…. to incorporate into the piece. Using magazine pages as my palette, I tear and glue each piece down piecing it together like a puzzle, intuitively. Finally, I paint.

I like collage and this process because there is some mystery as to which pieces of paper get chosen, and how the words and images unfold to tell a bigger story. I never know when the story will reveal itself to me, but when it does, it is an amazing feeling. Like I’m part of a bigger picture that I’m not even aware of.

As far as the message I hope people take away from my work, it is that life is amazingly beautiful. Even in the ordinary. If you only slow down to see the beauty unfolding before you.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
One of the biggest challenges for artists can be finding the right connection to promote your art. Whether galleries, social media, artist collectives, fairs, festivals or art competitions. Although it may seem daunting, the amazing thing is that there are so many different opportunities.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My schedule is on my website www.aileenfrick.com

Sunnyslope Open Studio Tour October 27, 2018
FoundRE, Phoenix AZ
Solo show with new body of work at the FoundRE opening Friday December 7 2018
Tempe Arts Festiva, Tempe, AZ Nov 30-Dec 2
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale AZ (Jan 13- Mar 25, 2019)

Contact Info:

• Website: aileenfrick.com
• Phone: 602.549.4768
• Email: amf@amfrick.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aileenfrick_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aileen.frick

Image Credit:
Copyright Aileen Frick

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