Check Out Ray Anne Barker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Anne Barker.

Hi Ray Anne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started as an escape. I started dealing with a lot of anxiety and a need for approval in middle school which made me feel constantly overwhelmed and trapped. Art allowed me freedom from the chaos in my mind. I continued to study art thru high school and some into college. I took a big break in my work after I got married and started a family. I have pursued other creative outlets, like photography, but I have always felt a slight restlessness. It wasn’t until 4 years ago that I came back to art to help with my anxiety again. It was the moment I realized this was it, this is where I should have been all along. Ever since I came back to art I have made it a full-time career working out of my studio downtown.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The art journey has definitely been a bumpy ride. When I first started getting back into the swing of things I was painting in my janky basement with very minimal light. I would try to sneak time away when my kids were having rest time, but even then it was quite difficult to muster the energy. I think the biggest challenge for me and I want to believe many artist feel is Imposter Syndrome. Because I didn’t go or finish school for art I wrestled with feeling like a fraud. Am I even good enough to call myself an artist? To add to that, I have had to figure everything out on my own. Who to photograph my work? How to best ship fragile pieces out of country? And just the basic business side of things. It has been difficult for me to find a community to join in as full-time artist and full-time mom.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would best describe myself as a modern abstract artist. I love minimalist pieces that are emotionally charged and thought provoking. I am intentional with each shape, line, movement, and color presented in my work. I often feel trapped by an uncontrollable need to be a perfectionist and through abstract art I have been able to find freedom to let my mind explore outside the box. My battle with anxiety + depression has been changed by allowing art to be a means of therapy + expression for things that there aren’t words for. I have been told I am known for having artwork you want to get up close and touch. But also that I don’t do just one style. People like to see the next new things that I’m going to paint because I am always exploring and pushing myself with new and fun mediums. I think I am most proud of this stunning piece I am made for an auction to raise money Grace’s Table (local organization for supporting teen moms) and it raise 10k for them. I definitely cried that evening.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
It’s quite funny cause I get this question all the time, but I can not paint and listen to Podcasts or audio books. I paint with such emotional intention that it is difficult for me to have anything going on in my studio that with interrupt that flow. But my mornings I do try to set clear my head and set my intentions with a meditation by Mindful in Minutes. But generally, I play a lot of music or paint in silence. But I will say I use all sorts of apps to help me with my work flow like UNUM for planning out my content.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rayannebarker.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rayanne.designs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayannedesigns

Image Credits
A couple of them were take by Colette Wright