We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lu Ray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lu below.

Alright, Lu thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I am a self taught artist, but I also feel like I have had many teachers. Youtube, trial & error, and asking others in the field. I researched like crazy! Joined forums and facebook groups.
Knowing what I know now, I do think more formal education would be helpful. But not creating debt. More like taking a class at the community college or doing a series of workshops. There are so many technical and also theoretical insights that come from a formal class from someone with many years of experience.
Honestly, I don’t think speeding up the learning process is a good idea. If anything, I wish I could tell my younger self to slow down and make things for myself first. Don’t look at Instagram or Pinterest, but start with lots of sketches in a sketch book and notice what inspires you in the real world or through meditation. Make that. And let it take a while. And also let it fail.
I think the idea of being perfect or comparing myself to others who were more financially successful stood in the way of me leaning more. Being on social media was not helpful either. But tuning back into myself and asking people I respect to give me feedback helped push me back on the right path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a multimedia artist and social practitioner. I got into art by teaching art at an elementary school. I always used art as therapy for myself and my students, and that has only grown. I have now been a professional artist for over 2 years. My favorite projects are commissions that transform spaces through murals, mosaics, and functional artwork. I make ceramics, tiles, mosaics, and paint, mostly.
I am a queer person and I think I am willing to do things that are bold, and not think twice. I feel like this relates to my queerness. Why not transform your bathroom with a mural-mosaic-shattered mirror installation? Why not have a portrait of your butt on your coffee cup? Don’t be boring. Please!
No shade, but IKEA is not going to do that. And those target mugs will never have the same quality as a hand built cup with my finger dimples in it.
I would love for my fans and supporters to know that I want to make their dreams become real. Corny as it may be. Color and texture and bold choices are worth it, especially if you own your home. I am adaptable and love collaborating with clients to make the murals, ceramics, mosaics, etc. a reality. Let’s push the boundaries together! And solve problems in doing so!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Something I think a lot of us have gotten used to is convenience. We want something, so we go to Amazon or Target. And people have convinced themselves they can’t afford original art, or they think “I’ll save money by shopping at convenient stores”.
The truth is, real artists are often cheaper than you think. And the end result is worth more than you will pay for. No one else will ever have what you commissioned. You will have a voice in the decision making. And it will always be higher quality. Plus, we need you to survive! There’s no downside, really, but we do need to break these patterns of always going with the “cheap & easy” option. It’s false. Collaborate with an artist instead! I promise it will be worth it for everyone.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Something funny I have noticed is that non-artists are sometimes scared to talk to us at art openings and things like that. Or they think that we are a mini celebrity because we have an opportunity to show work or get publicity. Nah, we want to talk to you! Or at least I do.
We are people, and I know I make art to engage with people, not to just sit there and look pretty. Although that’s ok too.
But I want people to not be so intimidated. And also to know that we are not super successful or untouchable just because of a gallery or residency or whatever. We might not even be getting paid! So challenge the resistance, say hi, and ask the questions you have. Especially if it’s about the artwork & the meaning. You don’t have to pretend. Art is not just for rich people or snobs. In my opinion, art is for everyone. And is about starting conversations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.luraystudio.com
• Instagram: @not.cis
• Youtube: Lu Ray Studio

Image Credits

Brindha Anantharaman