We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ray Anthony Eddie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ray anthony, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on has been the ongoing journey of figuring myself out—discovering who I truly am and identifying the areas of life that resonate most deeply with me. This personal exploration led to the creation of my YouTube platform, Xqsitor, where I host meaningful conversations with creatives in the art field.

For me, Xqsitor is just a reflection of my love for storytelling, a passion for inspiring others, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and creative growth. The backstory is simple yet profound: I realized that the moments when I felt most alive were those spent connecting with people, understanding their unique perspectives, and sharing that energy with the world. With Xqsitor, I’ve been able to create a space where those values thrive—a place where stories spark inspiration and art fuels deeper human connection.

This project is meaningful to me because it’s not just about showcasing art; it’s about building a community rooted in creativity, courage, and curiosity. Every interview reminds me of the power of sharing who we are and how our stories can inspire someone else to chase their dreams.

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

For those who may not know me, I’m a photographer and art influencer deeply rooted in exploring themes of heritage, human evolution, and self-discovery. My journey into the arts was unconventional—I had no formal training or academic background in the field. Instead, I entered this world through a series of serendipitous moments and an insatiable curiosity that led me to discover my creative voice.

Photography is where it all began. My work is an intimate exploration of duality, family heritage, and self-acceptance, capturing visible concepts of my personal and human evolution. I approach photography not just as an art form, but as a language—a way to communicate deeply personal and universal stories. My goal is to create works that resonate emotionally and intellectually with viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys.

As an art influencer, I translate the themes of my photography into exhibitions / sales that celebrate heritage and the shared human experience. My curatorial work is driven by a desire to create spaces where art can foster connection, understanding, and community. From advising collectors to organizing exhibitions, my role is to amplify the voices of contemporary artists and make art accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.

One of my proudest achievements was having my first curated exhibition recognized as one of the top ten art exhibitions in Miami in 2023. However, what truly excites me is the work I’m now doing in Baltimore, where I’m focusing on community-building projects that merge art with social impact. This city’s rich culture and history inspire me to create work that not only celebrates art but also uplifts the voices of underrepresented communities.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge personal storytelling with a universal perspective. Whether through my photography, curating, or community initiatives, my work is always about connection—connecting people to art, to each other, and to their own sense of identity.

For potential clients, collaborators, and followers, I want them to know that my work is deeply intentional. It’s about more than just art; it’s about creating meaningful experiences, fostering dialogue, and building bridges between diverse perspectives. Whether you’re engaging with my photography, attending an exhibition I’ve curated, or collaborating on a community project, my aim is to create something that inspires, challenges, and connects.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I find this question both funny and a bit invasive ( Respectfully ) because I feel like I’m in the middle of a major pivot in my career and life right now. Earlier this year, I made the decision to move from Miami to Baltimore—a choice that left many people completely surprised, if not outright shocked. In Miami, I had unknowingly built a reputation for myself. I was just doing what I loved—exploring art, curating, and connecting with my community—but over time, people began to see me as more than just a professional; they started to perceive me as a personality.

As I became more aware of this growing influence, I realized it came with a responsibility I hadn’t initially planned for. I understood that if I wanted to continue supporting the people I care about in my industry, I needed to think ahead and act more strategically. Baltimore felt like the right place for this next phase of my journey. It’s a city that aligns with my values—community, creativity, and legacy—and offers a space where I can grow both personally and professionally.

Since moving to Baltimore, my lifestyle has changed in profound ways. While I could spend hours explaining all the nuances, one key aspect is the focus I’ve placed on research, community work, and furthering my professional education. Many people don’t know this, but I recently enrolled in a university here, marking a significant step in defining my intentions and sharpening my skills.

This pivot is rooted in love—the love I have for my community and for the creative world I inhabit. It’s about becoming the best version of myself so that I can be a better resource for the people I care about and continue to leave a meaningful impact. This isn’t just a career move; it’s a life move, one that’s guided by my mission to contribute something lasting and valuable to the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to live a life fueled by passion, care, and community—and to thrive while doing so. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how loving what you do and sharing compelling stories can open doors and create meaningful connections.

What brings me the greatest joy is assisting my peers in developing their creativity, whether that’s through selling, advising, or directing art. Using my creativity and critical thinking to help make choices—both tangible and intangible—that lead to success is deeply gratifying. It’s in those moments, where my work aligns with a greater purpose, that I feel most alive and connected to the ultimate source of creativity and energy: God.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenonthelenz/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_xqsitor