1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Aileen Frick and I’m a local Phoenix artist. As far as what I do, I do what I love, and that is creating art. My mixed media collages are made with torn magazine paper that I overlay with both acrylics and oils.
2. How did you get your start?
After going to happy hours several times per week, a friend and I looked at each other wondering what else we could be doing. She suggested an art class, and I told her ‘Sounds like fun, you pick the class, and I’ll sign up’. And so we took beginning oil painting at Phoenix College. My first piece turned out amazing. I had never painted, and did not know that I could. Since then, I have taken many classes in different mediums such as figure painting, stained glass, watercolors, paper clay sculpture, and encaustics.
As far as displaying my work, divine guidance led me into doing shows and festivals. During one of my painting classes, I had a classmate ask to hang a piece of art I was working on at his restaurant. With his encouragement, as well as the influence of my painting teacher, I started showing my work at both his restaurant and at First Fridays in Phoenix, Arizona.
3. What inspires you?
I am influenced by the beauty in life. Oftentimes in everyday occurrences, I feel like I’m being shown something special that I need to take note of, like a still from a movie. When this happens, I am usually scrambling for my camera. My art is inspired by these moments.
I’m also inspired by impressionism. In some way, I feel like my style of collage echoes the fashion of the impressionists using modern day references. Rather than gobs of paint, I use segments of paper, weaving them together with paint.
My art is my meditation. In that quiet space, I feel like I’m composing and associating things at the subconscious level. It is a very intuitive process that is exhilarating to be an instrument.
4. What do you like about AZ?
Sunshine. beautiful sunsets, breathtaking landscape, puffy clouds, the smell of the desert after rain, winding hiking trails, and of course the buzz of First Fridays.
5. Where can we see you(r) work?
27th Annual Balloon Fiesta Show, Albuquerque, NM October 2015
Solo show at {9} The Gallery, Phoenix, AZ November 2015
Shemer Art Center, Phoenix, AZ March 2016
6. What would you like to accomplish before you die?
In general, I really hope to continue to influence others in a positive way with my art and my passion. I enjoy the challenge of preparing for shows, and look forward to having adequate time to study, and compose a show of significance.
Gallery shows internationally as well as nationwide in amazing locations such as New York, Santa Fe, London, Paris… limited only by my desire to travel and time.
And while I’m at it, throw in a few museum openings. A girl can dream, right!
7. What is your mantra?
Follow your bliss.
