Meet Derek Frazier

Derek Frazier, Curator of Collection & Preparator at LMFA, holds a BA in Visual Art & Art History. Derek comes to us after nine years at the Tyler Museum of Art.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have a BS in Biology/Ecology, and worked for many years as a scientist and consultant. I was a freshwater biologist, an environmental regulator, a storm chaser, a fisheries biologist, and designed, built, and operated industrial wastewater treatment systems for companies like Halliburton and Sarah Lee. Also, my third degree is an MA in English literature, and I’m a published literary author.

What was the first piece of art you purchased? How old were you at the time? Why did it make such an impact?

I was a studio artist in college, and all of us students would trade works. I have art in my house that is extremely gratifying, because it was made by some of the best friends I’ve ever had.

How do you know when you stand before a really great piece of art?

The first thing I notice is craftsmanship. My standard question is, “Did the artist consider every inch of the piece?” They didn’t have to manipulate or change all of it, but they should have at least made an intentional decision to leave it alone. Even Jackson Pollock addressed the entirety of his canvases. After that, I look to see how the artist dealt with the formal elements of art- color, form, shape, space, texture, and value. And of course, I can’t help but notice references to art history. That’s kind of the fun part!

Is there any particular type of art that appeals to you or anything that unites all the works in your collection?

My favorite art movements have always been ItalianBaroque such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Minimalismlike Bill Montgomery, a strange combination, I know.Both evoke emotions, although in very differentways. There are works in our collection that affectme similarly, like Otis Dozier, William Montgomery,Billy Hassell, and Porfirio Salinas- all exceptionalTexas artists. What all these artists have in common isexceptional craftsmanship.

How important is it for you to meet the artist behind the artwork?

I am absolutely enthralled with the lives of the artists(to reference Vasari, one of the first art historians). Ilove the legendary competition between Borromini andBernini, for instance, and the biographies of the earlymodern artists like Duchamp, Picasso, and Van Gogh.Of course, it’s always fun to install work from a livingartist, then watch their face as they explore the gallery.If I’ve done my job right, they’ll be impressed.

How do you discover works by emerging artists, especially when we’re all remote?

I have a network of artist friends, and we’re alwayssharing work we like through social media. Luckily,I’m friends with some very competent artists, some ofwhom are in our permanent collection. I am an artistmyself, and I like surfing the net to find work like mine(I usually can’t).

When did you get involved with LMFA? What drew you to the museum then and now?

I love the energy that everyone brings to the museum.Our exhibitions are dynamic, and showcase not onlyestablished artists but also local talent. In my time here,I’ve hung everything from Picasso and Dali to highschool work. Pretty cool.

Describe Texas art in 3 words.

Scenic, current, accessible.

Where do you think the Longview cultural arts community will be in 3 years?

For my part, our entire collections will be online.I also expect student tours to greatly increase, andthe museum will be a family destination.