Introducing, Rae.
“I am a SoCal based artist that is dedicated to shedding light on complex themes of mental illness and emotional resilience. My art journey has been deeply rooted in my own personal experiences of navigating mental health challenges and creating visual representations of the human psyche. Over the years I have found solace and expression through various outlets but always come back to painting. By using various mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, and oils, I aim to create a testament to the beauty that can be found in the darkest moments. Through vulnerability there is strength, and I invite you to join me on this journey to inspire others to use art as a tool for healing along the path of this shared human experience.”
Self-portrait: “May flowers bloom from my flesh”
Description: This painting was my introduction to the use of oil paints. Prior to this painting I had been steadily using acrylics and watercolors. I had also never really attempted a self-portrait before and wanted to give it a shot. I wanted the old renaissance style feel to it, but still added surreal qualities as I painted. Although the painting itself is incomplete, it is meant to reflect my life up until this point and the hope that every action that has led me to where I am will produce something good in some way. As humans we struggle with the worry that our actions will have a negative impact on others, and I can only hope that at least some form of positive change has taken place along the path I have taken. It is a representation of lessons learned and multiple ego deaths. A cycle of death and rebirth that produces growth, endless seasons of change with countless new blooms. A prayer to leave this earth someday with a full garden in my wake.
(Media: Oil on canvas)
24”x36”
“Storm clouds overhead”
Description: A visual representation of what anxiety feels like.
(Media: Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper)
9”x12”
“Charcoal Portrait of a man”
Description: A portrait of a man sleeping done with charcoal.
5’x7”
“Suppressed”
Description: Suppressed emotions become monstrous beings, bound tightly inside of a cage. The human heart can only hold in so much before it is overwhelmed and burns up in all that it has held back over the years. The physical pain of anger, sadness, fear, and heartbreak all bubble up inside my head with nowhere to go and the only way to be set free is to simply open the cage, but how does one let these emotions go when they have never been allowed to express them before? Cry and be set free.
(Media: Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper)
18”x24”
“2012”
Description: This was the first acrylic painting I had ever successfully completed. I created it during my senior year of high school and it was inspired by the idea that the world was supposed to end in 2012.
(Media: Acrylic on canvas)
18”x24”
“Charcoal drawing of a bird with a halo, and hands”
Description: When our wings are broken and it feels like all hope is lost, there is mercy and strength to mend us.
5”x7”
“Hell followed with them”
Description: The four horseman of the apocalypse and the seven rings of hell that followed them.
(Media: Acrylic on Canvas)
24”x48”
“Dionysus”
Description: Dionysus is the Greek god of wine and partying, but do you ever wonder if he gets tired of it all?
(Media: Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper)
18”x24”
“The Collector”
Description: I once dated a man that loved collecting butterfly wings. He would clip their delicate wings and adorn himself with a coat made from them. His collection of wings was quite a pretty thing to behold, so much so that you would never notice the emptiness inside of him or the scissors looming overhead.
(Media: Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper)
18”x24”
“Unbothered”
Description: This painting was solely created to be auctioned off at an event hosted by the IE Brew Witches at Old Stump Brewery. A friend of mine reached out to me with the opportunity to be involved in the auction with all proceeds going towards the Pomona art community. After sitting down and staring at a blank canvas for a while I ended up painting this blue beta fish.
(Media: Acrylic on canvas)
“Pomona Goddess”
Description: The prompt for this painting was the goddess Pomona, she is similar to the Greek goddess Persephone.
(Media: Watercolor on watercolor paper)
18”x24”
“Kintsugi”
Description: During November of 2021 I was really struggling with my mental health and this painting was a reminder to myself that although I felt broken, I was still able to put myself back together and find beauty in the pain and the process.
(Media: Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper)
18”x24”
Muse Maven Collective
“We are childhood friends and family bonded by our love of creating with the idea to build a community of passionate artists and art enthusiasts. Our mission is to provide a nurturing space where creativity can flourish. Through curated exhibitions, workshops, and social events, the Muse Maven Collective celebrates the diverse talents of emerging and established artists across various mediums. Let’s have fun and make cool art together!”
