Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raymond Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Raymond , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I feel content as an artist and I love what I create! I enjoy seeing how my art changes throughout the years. I could definitely be happier and feel more successful if there was more support towards my art. I feel that my art is often appreciated and admired, but that doesn’t always guarantee a sale. Unfortunately, like many other artists and creatives, I do have to work a day job to make ends meets, which often takes time away from making more art and networking with people.

Raymond , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Raymond Rodriguez. I am originally from Santa Isabel, a small town in southern Puerto Rico. Since I was a young boy, I was always drawing. I used to carry a sketchbook with me, which is a habit I have kept to this day. As an adult, I decided that I wanted to become an artist and pursued a degree in Fine Art Studio Painting from Kent State University. I would describe my art as surreal, dreamy and fantasy. When I sell a piece of art, I want the client to take home a conversation starter. I hope that my paintings can spark a conversation amongst its viewers. All of my paintings are original ideas and concepts – I like to make paintings that I believe in and that carry some sort of emotional weight. I hope that my art is able to unify people through their emotional experiences. It makes me incredibly proud as an artist when people discuss their interpretations of my pieces with me – I know at this point that I’ve reached somebody at an emotional level, which is what I strive to do through my works.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my opinion, society needs to put more value into real artists and creatives versus using technology to create for them. Artists also need more access to resources (grants, promotion for shows, variety). Living in a place like Cleveland, Ohio, I often see the same artists promoted for shows again and again, instead of seeing new emerging artists in the spotlight. We need to diversify the art scene, and provide spaces for artists to create that are accessible to all skill/economic levels.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think that art provides and outlet and a way to live and work within yourself. Making art also provides a way to relate to other people in a way that words may not be able to.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artbrew.biz
• Instagram: raymond.rodz
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RayRodrigArt
• Twitter: @swrd_of_morning
• Other: tiktok: @sword_ofthe_morning