Mark Frates
Crystals, Fountains

Mark was introduced to the Arts as a child.  
His father was an Artist and a Musician, and while Mark’s piano lessons failed,
his oil paintings were winning blue medals. 
Encouraged by his father, Mark developed a skill for graphic art,
and designed many logos and poster art for businesses. 



Today in the digital era, Mark uses graphic design as a tool in his work.
As a young adult, Mark enjoyed so many different aspects of the Arts;
it was difficult for him to choose just one to focus on. 
Regardless of what the piano teachers told him at a young age,
he taught himself how to play the piano by ear. 
Within a short period of time, Mark was composing
beautiful heartfelt piano music and orchestration using digital keyboards.


 
Mark also enjoys cooking, and once had a vision to open his own restaurant. 
While the restaurant never materialized, he was successful
as a gourmet food caterer for private parties and weddings. 
He learned then, that it was all about “presentation”. 



In his late 30’s, Mark had a dream to live life simple, built his own home in the Country,
but eventually found a nice little cabin in the woods which he now calls home. 
With that shift in his life, Mark began to take his Art seriously, and opened his own “crafts” business. 
Mark lives on Hoodoo Mountain in North Idaho, and he calls himself “HoodooCraft”. 


 
Mark’s diversity is still very strong to this day, but his focus is simply on “Arts and Craft." 
His love for Nature founded his first components;
pinecones, feathers, leather, wood, rocks, and sea shells until the “big bang”. 



Fascinated with the sparkle of crystal glass as a child,
it is no surprise that Mark's first teenage paycheck went to purchase a crystal chandelier to go over his piano. 



It is also no surprise that Mark started using the crystal prisms from the chandelier
as components in his work, and then it happened… the “BIG BANG”,
and his Crystal Universe was born. 



The title was chosen without knowing its power of suggestion. 
Like the endless stars in the heavens, so became the countless number of designs
in his Crystal Universe, and the variety continues to expand. 



Mark uses the finest crystal available known as Swarovski of Austria. 
Swarovski’s innovation fans the flames to Mark's imagination
with their nearly endless dazzling and sophisticated architectural components and beads. 



From suncatchers to jewelry, there is the prefect color, the right sparkle,
and the right price for everyone
in his
Crystal Universe.

 
  

To purchase or to view more of Mark's work, visit Art Works Gallery,
Mark's website, or contact him at hoodoocraft@hughes.net