We recently connected with Lisa Ray Koenig and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa Ray, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

There are two projects that have meant a lot to me. Napanee Community Kitten Rescue (NCKR) is a not-for-profit organization that relies heavily on community donations as well as individuals who volunteer to provide foster homes for kittens and cats who are rehabilitating from illness or injury. NCKR is dedicated to assisting the Napanee, Ontario community with awareness, education & resources for the care, rehabilitation and adoption of homeless kittens/cats. I have a big heart for cats/kittens as I have two of my own who inspire me endlessly.  I have donated a painting to the organization where money was raised through a raffle along with having hosted an art show and sale in which 100% of the money raised through the sale of my artwork went to benefit NCKR. Being able to pay it forward with my artwork is important to me.

Another project was the Lennox & Addington County General Hospital (LACGH) Gala Event.  Amanda Chalk, the Program Coordinator reached out to me to see if I had interest in donating a painting, I said absolutely! Then I got thinking, why not reach out to the local art community and rally them to donate their artwork. We had such a great response from artists wanting to contribute! This created a beautiful atmosphere for the evening’s event with the artwork being auctioned off while also generating funds for critical equipment and capital improvements for our local hospital. It was important to support this initiative to ensure that health care can be kept close to home and continue to be there for all in the moments that matter.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My career has taken many paths. Once upon a time I hosted game shows onboard cruise ships but that came to an end after 9-11 which then left me and the entire crew of the ship stranded at sea but that’s another story for another time. I then found myself behind the microphone at various radio stations as a Radio DJ or I suppose the proper term is On-Air Radio Personality/Announcer, to being a Freelance Columnist, writing a bi-weekly column called “Fifty Shades of Ray” (no it wasn’t like the movies!) And now I work for a construction company.

So then, just prior to the pandemic I was introduced to the Paint Pouring style of art through friends and I was immediately inspired, however I didn’t think I would ever have the time to paint. But I did purchase some paint and canvas to perhaps dabble if I found the time. Then in the midst of a pandemic and with time on my hands I was looking for a creative distraction. I had the paint, I had the canvas so I began tossing paint on a canvas and just went for it. With no formal training in regards to painting I found myself putting paint to canvas. My creative journey has taken me to experiment with many varied styles of art. I have been told that my artistic style is recognizable. I think I am still finding my voice in paint as I truly just paint because it feels good to get lost in the creativity of it all. This outlet of painting is amazing, if you’re sad, or upset, painting allows you to escape into another realm that you create and the beauty of your creation is a wonderful accomplishment. The idea of Groovy Cats Art came about from my earlier artwork. I was painting a mid-century vibe style featuring cats so Groovy Cats Art was born. As my painting evolved, a friend of mine Rob Mooy suggested the idea of hiding a cat somewhere in my paintings. What fun! Now if you look closely, you will always find a cat (a Groovy Cat) in my paintings. I call it “Find Felix” (yes I have a cat named Felix). People enjoy looking for Felix, it has become a game. I am still in awe whenever anyone mentions Groovy Cats Art to me as the name has become memorable.

My paintings are whimsical that tell a story of colour and texture that brings about a charm and comfort of an emotional connection. I want the person looking at my work to have a smile on their face of joy. I am a pandemic painter having started painting in March 2020.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a new artist trying to establish myself it has been a challenge. In particular, finding the outlets to hang my paintings and trying to stand apart from others. One thing I learned from my Radio Broadcasting career was that branding is everything. So then, how should you brand yourself? I chose to name my creative endeavors Groovy Cats Art, as my earlier artwork was created with cats in a mid century vibe.  It had been suggested to me that I should change the name to something else, I chose to ignore that suggestion as the Groovy Cats Art phenomenon was so different that people remembered it. So any chance I get to mention Groovy Cats Art I do, whether it be in conversation or on social media. Brand your name, make it an entity that will be remembered. I had applied to be a part of a local art gallery, which was a great experience. Unfortunately I was not one of the chosen artists to grace the walls of this gallery. Not being accepted was a disappointment however I didn’t let it consume me, it only spurred me to find a place to have my own solo art exhibition, which I was able to accomplish successfully. You can’t let a ‘no’ stop you, instead let it inspire you to pivot.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There are so many rewards to being an artist or creative. The freedom of expression, creating whatever inspires you, seeing what you have created turn into smiles from those viewing your artwork. The ability to pay my artwork forward through donating pieces to charitable organizations is truly the most rewarding aspect of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: groovycatsart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groovycatsart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groovycatsart11/

Image Credits
Lisa Ray Koenig