Draft:The Radical Elements

The Radical Elements

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The Radical Elements
Company typePrivate LLC
IndustryArts, Decor, and Curios
Founded2019
FounderJon Lawrence Battison
Headquarters
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Area served
Online, Regional Art Markets
ProductsArts, Crafts, Decor, Curios
BrandsRadica17, Celestial Blossom Creations
Website[http://theradicalelements.com theradicalelements.com]
Footnotes / references
Credo: "Normal is Never Noticed"

The Radical Elements is an American art and curios retailer founded in 2019 by Jon Battison in Buffalo, New York. The company specializes in arts, handmade crafts, and decor, focusing on unique, unusual, and countercultural themes. With its motto, "Normal is Never Noticed," The Radical Elements aims to highlight works that embrace individuality, creativity, and unconventional aesthetics.

History

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The Radical Elements was established in 2019 by Jon Battison as a way to bridge the gap between artists and regional art markets. Originally operating as an independent curio shop, the business evolved into a platform for artists to showcase and sell their works. In 2024, the company was formally organized into an LLC to support online retail and larger-scale operations.

Battison, a Buffalo area native, brings a rich personal background to the business. An honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran (2008–2017) with service in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Battison earned accolades such as the ARCOM, NATO commendation, and Afghan Service Medal. Academically, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems and Electrical Engineering Technology from Buffalo State University and a master’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from the University at Buffalo. His entrepreneurial foundation includes completing the Entrepreneurship in the Arts certificate course at Buffalo State University in 2019.

The Radical Elements reflects Battison’s journey of overcoming generational poverty and his passion for counterculture art, sustainability, and fair treatment of artists.

Philosophy and Core Values

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The Radical Elements operates on principles of creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Key values include:

Championing Uniqueness

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Celebrating art and decor that embrace individuality and defy mainstream norms.

Empowering Artists: Providing a platform where artists receive fair representation, recognition, and compensation for their work.

Sustainability

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Committing to reducing consumer waste through innovative practices and aiming for carbon neutrality by investing in carbon offsets before profit-taking.

Community Engagement

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Participating in regional art fairs, farmers' markets, and pop-up events to promote local artists and counterculture themes.

Product Lines

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Radica17

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Radica17 is the in-house brand of The Radical Elements, with the motto "Weird, Odd, and Beautiful." It features curated collections of handmade art, curios, and decor that reflect countercultural and unconventional aesthetics.

Celestial Blossom Creations

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Celestial Blossom Creations is a flagship product line inspired by Chinese traditions and mysticism. Notable offerings include:

Ninefold Blessings - Ethereal Guardians
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A series of nine-tailed fox figures symbolizing safety, happiness, and spiritual luck. Each figure varies in detail and quality, with lore connecting them as spirit echoes of the original “Guardian Fox.” Intricately hand painted charms and figures, each imbued with unique lore.

Examples include:

  • Fang-Jǎ, the Firestarter (a mischievous but motivational spirit)
  • Eu-Gwon, the Moonlight Guardian (a serene yet protective spirit).

These products combine traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern artistic interpretations, appealing to collectors and spiritual enthusiasts alike.

Achievements

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The Radical Elements has grown steadily, gaining recognition in local art markets and building a loyal online customer base.

Key milestones include:

  • Launching Radica17 and Celestial Blossom Creations as distinctive product lines.
  • Expanding operations to online platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, alongside the company’s official website.

Community Engagement and Sustainability

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The Radical Elements is committed to fostering a creative and inclusive community. The business actively participates in local art fairs, music festivals, and other pop-up venues, providing artists with opportunities to showcase their work.

Sustainability is a core focus, with efforts including:

  • Carbon neutrality through carbon offsets.
  • Reducing waste caused by consumerism with reuse and upcycling in our product lines where possible.
  • Partnering with environmental artists and promoting eco-friendly practices. Customers are encouraged to contribute to causes like carbon neutrality through donation options at checkout.

Founder’s Personal Journey

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Jon Battison’s personal journey is integral to the ethos of The Radical Elements. Having faced challenges such as generational poverty and a turbulent youth, Battison transformed his life through military service and education. His experiences in the U.S. Army, including deployment to Afghanistan, instilled values of resilience, adaptability, and dedication.

Battison’s academic achievements—earning the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and the Buffalo State President’s Medal—highlight his drive for excellence. His belief in second chances and his passion for supporting artists are the foundation of The Radical Elements’ commitment to fairness, sustainability, and creativity.

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TheRadicalElements.com Radica17 Collection Celestial Blossom Creations

 
Original Ethereal Guardian - Each new aesthetic gets a unique lore used for the remainder of the series.

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References

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TheRadicalElements.com