Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Ray

Hi Jen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I’m an artist currently living in New York City but I’ve also lived in Berlin, Germany and have traveled a great deal. I studied drawing and painting at University, but after art school my practice grew to include video, performance, and sound works. I come from a small town in South Carolina but art has taken me all over the world. For now, I’m very happy to have settled in New York City because it’s an extremely exciting place where you can meet people from all over the world and new ideas are always brewing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

No! If your path is smooth as an artist, something is wrong. Obviously, money is always a problem for artists. Convincing yourself that you are on the right path or that your work is taking you in the right direction can also be difficult. Finding time for your work is a challenge. Additionally, it’s always harder for a woman, no matter what people say. Men still rule the top of the art game even though there are more female artists than ever.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I create large scale paintings and drawings of women in fantasy settings, enjoying the world on their own terms. I also create large scale performances using music, costumes and props, often featuring a woman singing a popular song. As she sings the song, she implores the audience to understand her experiences but doesn’t require their understanding. I think of the singer as my avatar, explaining some of my experiences and struggles, but most of the ideas are also universal and relatable. I’m proud that my work has touched audiences and even inspired people to create their own projects.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

I’m really inspired by movies from all time periods but right now I’m in a seventies mood. The movie “Gloria” is always an inspiration. It features a strong female lead (Gena Rowlands) in nasty old New York using violence and intelligence to defend a child against gangsters. My other inspiration is a Japanese film called Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41. If you haven’t seen it, you should! Last but not least, The Hidden Fortress, a Kurosawa film that inspired Star Wars. It’s an adventure story about a princess trying to get back to her throne with the help of her top general and two hapless robbers. There are sword fights and horses and comedy. The princess is not at all interested in being “likable”, she’s a tough cookie out to experience life to the fullest.

Pricing:

• My work is priced from $2,000-$20,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cargocollective.com/JenRayArt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_ray_nyc/