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David Fraley (Aug. 18, 1952 - Aug. 29, 1999)

A very creative, well respected member of the Atlanta art scene between 1987 and his unexpected death in 1999 on the day of a major gallery opening.  A member of the "Taboo" artist group.  David created a simplified method of a complex painting style, and has rewarded us with many unique paintings.  His drawings also have a unique style.

David Fraley

A very creative, well respected member of the Atlanta art scene between 1987 and 1999. His sudden, unexpected death in 1999 occurred on the opening day of his one man show at a major Atlanta gallery.  David was also a  member of the "Taboo" artist group based in Atlanta.  David created a simplified method of a complex painting style, and has rewarded us with many unique paintings.  His drawings also have a unique style.

He was born in Novato, CA, and raised in both Germany and rural New Mexico. David Fraley bartered Cub Scouts for painting lessons at the age of eight. His intent was always to paint, but after several dismal experiences with art instructors, Fraley shifted his formal education to architecture, which taught him self-discipline while allowing freedom to learn and explore technique without interfering with play in artifact and meanings.

He received his Masters of Architecture from Tulane University after writing a thesis entitled, "The Architecutural Implications of an Equiangular Spiral Based on the Golden Section." In 1978 he moved to Atlanta, where he worked briefly (and unhappily) for three architecture firms.

After an incident where he narrowly escaped violent death, he said, "If I had died yesterday, I would have never lived." He quit architecture that day to focus on painting, while supporting himself by renovating houses.

David was an adjunct faculty member at the Atlanta College of Art and taught a variety of seminars at university architecture and art colleges. His primary teaching interest was in what he termed "enhancement of the creative process through a zen-based active and meditative regimen."

He was a member of the four-man Atlanta artist collection, TABOO, which received national critical acclaim in Art News, Art Papers, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Village Voice and elsewhere.

Among others, David's paintings and drawings have been exhibited at galleries in Atlanta, GA; Nashville, TN; Malibu, CA; and New York, NY, including a large one-man show in Atlanta, GA in August, 1999.  This was the last public exhibition of David's works. Several of his works also are on display at the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, including "The Swan House," (1994) and "Apollo and Laurel" (1996). 

Awards, Grants

For more information, contact Tim R. Cox
phone: (206) 363-9106
e-mail:  timcox55@gmail.com

  Revision: 2/1/2016