BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
What do you get when you cross an entrepreneur, a rock ‘n’ roller and an artist? Jesse Frazier of Faim Worldwide. Jesse encompasses all three of these roles and it all began with a simple sticker and guerrilla marketing scheme. Meet the man who chose to take a path less traveled by quitting his day job and pursuing his dream to bring color and art to the city.
You are a well known artist in the Denver scene. How did you get started?
Well, thank you! I was born in Englewood, Colorado and have lived here most of my life, minus a couple year stop in NYC which ended with me moving back to Colorado two weeks before the 9/11 attacks. At that time I started practicing my art, but didn’t take anything too seriously. It was when I turned 30 that I realized I wanted to concentrate on my art full time. I quit my day job, started painting, playing in rock ‘n’ roll bands, and bar tending and I haven’t looked back since.
I actually got started doing art by making a sticker. I was going through a rough time and felt invisible so one night I was at Cricket on the Hill having a few drinks and just started sketching a helmet design based off the movie Easy Rider. I decided to make stickers of the new image and start putting them up and see if anyone noticed. I figured if they did noticed they’d want to know what it was called so I put the F on the helmet and decided to call it FAIM WORLDWIDE. My initial goal was to get the image worldwide and luckily after about two years the image truly was. My friends in bands or friends vacationing would take the sticker with them and put it up for me. After a few years of being associated with the sticker a friend offered me my first art show. I decided to have a group art show as a way for me to meet other artists and help build a community. My uncle ran a youth football league and had hundreds of old helmets that were slated to be thrown out so I cleaned up the helmets gave them out to friends and the FAIM WORLDWIDE helmet group show was born. This was probably 2007-2008. The first year we had about 30 artists and I donated all the helmets and charged no commission if pieces sold. My only request was if pieces sold that artists donated to the Special Olympics. We were able to have a great show and raise funds for a great organization.
What is your general process and technique?
Over the years my process has changed from using paper and wheat paste to build my images. Currently I use only paint to achieve the ripped layers in my paintings.
How would you describe the seemingly thriving Denver art scene?
Yeah, it’s a crazy time to be an artist in Denver right now for sure! There’s more opportunity and audience than ever before here. I’ve been very lucky to meet a lot of new friends and art collectors moving here from other states and to be able to share stories and get their insights on Denver. The Denver art scene has been really fun.
Who are your favorite artists in Denver right now?
Oh, wow, where do I start… I’m a huge fan of Jack Jensen. I love Ravi Zupas work. There’s an artist named Julio Alejandro here who always impresses me. Graffiti artist MOPER is AMAZING!!! Comic artist Ben Delorey is doing some cool stuff.
Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
Recently I’ve been very fortunate to be able to travel abroad more so inspiration has come from vintage metal signs in Tokyo to pasted real estate ads in Hong Kong to rock n roll poster in London. When I get back to the studio I run those images through my B movie, comic book, rock ‘n’ roll, advertisements brain and hope for the best! Hahahaha
How would you describe Faim Worldwide? What is the mission?
FAIM WORLDWIDE has always been about trying to get people to pay attention to their environment. It’s never been a product or a “thing” it’s always just been an idea. I always hoped that if someone were having a rough time like I was and they saw this sticker that somehow gave them inspiration then I’d done something worthwhile.
Can you tell us the story behind your “Love Wins” piece?
The LOVE WINS piece is part of the I-70 ductwork project and is a tribute to my friend Haney who was a victim of senseless gun violence. The last time he posted on Facebook he wrote- paraphrasing- “life can sometimes be hard and when people do you wrong just know that they’ve lost their way and will figure it out. Above all love wins, love will always win.” Then the next day Haney was shot and killed in a Denny’s trying to calm down a fight. It was a special moment for me to paint his words and really meant a lot to me to be able to tell his story using my language. (See the Love Wins Piece on page 5.)
Where can we find your work? Do you have any upcoming shows?
“I’m actually opening my own gallery/workspace in Englewood in the next two months. Having been in collectives and shared spaces so long, it’s very exciting to have my own space. I also recently opened a bar in my hometown called the Englewood Tavern. It’s been a fun rewarding project for me, indeed.
Thank you, Jesse, for brightening our neighborhood with your colorful murals and sharing your story with us. See the centerfold mural up close and personal at Alchemy Creative Workspace located at 66 S. Logan.