portfolio by jenny frazier

When reflecting on my life and childhood memories, the concept of nature has been a constant theme. To me, nature, such as familiarity, safety, comfort, home, and connection arise. These description words are represented by trying to counteract the memory behind them, as shown in my art. Nature’s role throughout my childhood memories connecting to my family is the center point of my thesis. My pieces are made
with a specific memory in mind, usually from my early childhood, that is portrayed in a 3D form. Talking more about media, I work in a 3D form. Before fully developing my thesis, I used straight natural elements or directly portrayed them, such as a drawing of trees. Still, as my art and concept have grown, I have begun to shy away from using the direct form and representing them in ways such as ash from trees, and clay, or using
colors such as green and brown. I also include motifs such as tally marks, wood ash, and repeating lines. The combination of materials is also shown in my work, thus giving my artwork a deeper meaning.
My process begins with writing down words and questions for the idea, which eventually helps the sketches form. In my process, I gravitate towards working in clay and developing my concept in a ceramic form. With this in mind, I try to challenge the piece to speak for itself without giving away the whole story. I want the viewer to question the meaning and be curious while having space to connect to the piece.

 

Jenny Frazier is from Saint Louis, Missouri, and has been studying visual arts at Interlochen Arts Academy for the past two years. She previously attended Interlochen Arts Camp for two summers and has received a regional Gold Key and Silver Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition. Her artwork explores the ideas of change and loss, and the connection between nature and unnatural events experienced in her childhood, relating to her family. She makes 3-D sculptures and ceramics with the combination of natural materials to portray this. When brainstorming before starting a piece, words such as familiarity, safety, comfort, home, and connection arise.These description words are represented in her artwork, by trying to counteract the memory behind them shown in her art. Next year she will be attending Smith College, studying the connection between art and psychology.