Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Patricia Rae. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Patricia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
What does it mean to take a creative risk? Everything. I have always been a creative person, whether I was painting, acting, or dancing in my living-room. It brings me joy. I feel empty when I am not making art, in some form or another. But, I truly believe, that we are all creative beings at our core. We were born to create! Name a profession, that does not benefit from your creative thought process. We become better problem-solvers, leaders, parents, partners, healers, and teachers. When we are in the active state of creating, we are manifesting our emotions into a form of self-expression that can be shared. I constantly turn to my painting, as another creative outlet apart from acting, that I don’t need permission to explore. Artistic expression does not have to happen on a grand scale either, for it to have benefit or value, on an emotional level. The simple act of creating, is a healing process, that can be instrumental in personal growth. Anyone can explore their own creativity. Start small by taking a cooking class, or a wine tasting class, learn a new language, explore origami, learn the guitar, or boogie down to Zumba. All of these skills require an artistic thought process, that will give you a sense of accomplishment, and freedom from the daily grind. For me, it has been invaluable to take creative risks in my paintings, by selecting color palates, exploring brush strokes, or subjects, I don’t normally tackle. So, as one creative person to another, I encourage you, to give yourself the permission, to take a risk. Create.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I began drawing and painting in grade school. But I never studied art formally as a trade, because I chose to take up acting as a profession instead. I am pretty much a self taught fine-artist. I have taken many art classes, and studied the great artists in detailed books and frequent trips to museums. I have also taken courses on composition, drawing, color theory. I have even illustrated a children’s book series, with a good friend of mine, professor Oliver Mayer, who teaches creative writing at USC. The 3 book series, called “Big Dog On Campus”, which is about a dog who becomes the honorary mascot of the school, can be purchased through the USC website. Yet, I still didn’t consider myself an accomplished artist, until I became a reiki healer, and began to delve into abstract art. I really felt compelled to manifest my talents as an energy healer, into a spiritual translation of color onto canvas. I started experimenting using the healing energies of certain crystals that called to me. So much of the joy and passion, that is reciprocated through the healing process, is encapsulated in these pieces. The color palates are an integral part of the emotional experience, that I am trying to convey to the viewer. Orange, red and yellow are prominently featured colors in this series on energy, due of their links to the first three chakras; Which, are the chakras that pertain to grounding (root), creativity (sacrum), and courage (solar-plexus). I am currently working towards a show, where these pieces can be experienced in their full healing glory. And of course a website, where they will be available for sale as original pieces.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I truly believe that we are multi-dimensional beings of light, and that we need to allow ourselves to experience life on so many levels. If I am not acting, I am painting, or cooking or writing, or being a healer. We do not need permission to express ourselves as creative beings. It is our nature. Actually, when we are not expressing our individuality through some form or artistic outlet, we are doing humanity a great disservice, by not living in our highest potentials. Imagine a world without bridges, or art, or cupcakes even.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I think the internet has revolutionized our access to learning and the way we learn. I have taken so many streaming courses over the years, on art, and cooking, and healing, and communicating, and self-empowerment. . The power to create a new journey for yourself, is literally at the touch of your fingertips. It’s amazing. You can learn anything you want now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thepatriciarae, @thehealingrae
- Facebook: Patricia Rae
- Linkedin: Patricia Rae
- Twitter: @thepatriciarae