Shreveport’s Creative Community Shines with a New Amazon Mural
Shreveport, Louisiana, is buzzing with excitement as a vibrant new mural has been unveiled at the city’s latest Amazon facility. This **larger-than-life artwork** isn’t just a solo endeavor; instead, it’s a collaborative masterpiece featuring the talents of multiple local artists who came together to showcase their creative prowess.
Connecting Through Art
Brittney Hazelton, a member of ArkLaTex Artistry, recently sat down with fellow artist Hillary Frazier to get the scoop on her journey through this mural project. The mural, revealed on September 2, initially started with well-known local artist KaDavien Baylor, who decided to open up the project for collaboration. Instead of going solo, Baylor sent out a call to local artists, inviting them to join in on this exciting venture.
“It’s refreshing to see such community spirit,” says Frazier, who also teaches art in the Talented Art Program of Caddo. “I love getting to know the Shreveport scene. There are so many creative individuals here in the city, and I’m just really happy to be part of it!”
A Surprising Opportunity
When Frazier first learned about the mural project, she had no idea it was for **Amazon**. After responding to Baylor’s Facebook post about needing digital artists, she quickly found herself drawn into the initiative. “At first, I sent him my portfolio without knowing what the project was for,” she recalls with a smile. “Then he told me, ‘This is for the Amazon facility. Would you be interested?’ And my answer was a resounding yes!”
Frazier appreciates Baylor’s decision to include local artists. “He’s more than capable of doing this by himself, but it’s wonderful he reached out to give us a chance,” she explains. “We’re all incredibly thankful for that opportunity.”
Creative Direction
Each artist received a specific theme and phrase to incorporate into their designs, along with guidance on elements related to Amazon’s services. Frazier’s theme was “Believe in Yourself,” alongside the concept of employee benefits. She creatively interpreted this by depicting a father and daughter enjoying quality time together fishing at **Crosslake**. The father represents an Amazon employee enjoying time off, highlighting the company’s commitment to work-life balance.
“The idea was about believing in yourself as an employee but also supporting your coworkers,” Frazier clarifies. She added creatures like dragonflies, birds, and fish to reflect teamwork and togetherness, although some elements changed in the final mural.
A Touch of Joy
When asked what she hopes visitors might take away from the mural, Frazier cheerfully says, “I hope they have a fun and funky fresh time! Coming into work can feel monotonous, so I hope the mural offers a little escape, a pop of creativity!”
Future Possibilities
The impact of this mural could extend beyond Shreveport. Frazier discusses the potential for similar projects in other cities, hinting at exciting opportunities for artists nationwide. “I’m really excited to see where this goes,” she shares with enthusiasm.
A Lifelong Passion for Art
Hillary Frazier has always had a flair for the arts. Even as a child, she was often caught doodling, and her creativity flourished during middle school after being inspired by shows like *Yu Yu Hakusho*. “I wanted to draw like that—it just looked like so much fun!” she recalls.
Frazier’s parents were supportive, providing her with art supplies to nurture her talent. “Color is a huge part of what I do. I always tell myself I’ll stick to black and white, but that never lasts!” she laughs. “The more color, the better! I want people’s eyes to twitch when they see my work.”
A Focus on Women
Frazier often highlights the experiences of women in her art, portraying them in bold colors. “It’s both personal and fascinating to explore the unique experiences of women through my work,” she explains. “I like to mix whimsical elements with deeper themes about the human condition.”
Creating art can be nerve-racking, especially when sharing it on social media. Frazier advises fellow artists, “Don’t focus on the numbers or likes. Just create because you love it. Hopefully, the right people will notice what you’ve done.”
The Importance of Growth
She encourages aspiring artists to embrace their creative journey and remain open to learning. “No one is perfect. If you want to grow, you have to keep improving and trying new things,” she says. “There’s always something new to learn along the way.”
For those interested in exploring Hillary Frazier’s artistry, she invites everyone to connect with her through social media, where she shares more of her vibrant works.