We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raymond Wright a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Raymond , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Build Your Brand: Develop a strong personal brand and online presence. Use social media, a personal website, or a portfolio to showcase your work.Diversify Your Income Streams: Explore multiple revenue sources like freelance work, commissions, teaching, selling products, or licensing your work.Network and Collaborate: Connect with other professionals in your field. Collaborations can lead to new opportunities and expand your reach.Understand Your Market: Research your target audience and industry trends. This will help you tailor your work to meet market demands.Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you and set short-term and long-term goals to guide your progress.Manage Your Finances: Keep track of your income and expenses. Consider working with a financial advisor to manage your finances effectively.Stay Persistent: Building a sustainable income from creative work takes time and effort. Be prepared to face setbacks and keep pushing forward.By combining talent with a strategic approach, you can create a viable path to earning a full-time living from your creative pursuits.

Raymond , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

BIOGRAPHY
Raymond Omotolani Wright was born in Agege on the 6th, of July 1997.He hails from Lagos state,Nigeria.He holds National Diploma(2017) and Higher National Diploma in painting from Auchi polytechnic Auchi,Edo state(2020). He is a Nigerian artist whose environment-themed work draws attention to the urgency of raising our concern for earth.His inventiveness in subtly passing this message is in itself,creativity.
By bringing together varied elements connected with nature into his composition,omotolani reminds us that the earth is a shared space.His recent body of works shows a captivating fusion of figure paintings and animalism.In each work is blown-up study of human face with much detailing of the eyes which according to artist, is a “window to the soul”.
The hairs of figures also receive equally detailed workmanship,while the rest of the painting is usually reduced to color strokes using pallete knives and also,a mixed media artist who articulate his thought and ideas through his favourite subject matters,Omotolani primarily uses the face and a plethora of animals such as doves snails,rabbits and others to make up his pieces.At other times his painting’s go beyond the figurative into abstraction without discernible images.Omotolani draws inspiration from what he calls “mans disconnected from nature”,a situation where the activities of humans are destroying the earth’s environmental concern and the need to bring the situation into the sharp focus of all concerned,those who are involved in the detoriation of world Ecosystem.

ARTIST STATEMENT:
My artworks are influenced by contemporary artists who explore environmental themes and artists who make inspiring use of colors and other found material such as polythene materials.My body of art po trays the state of human consiouness in relation to animals and nature.He achieves this capturing the essences that convey messages.

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

Raymond Omotolani Wright is known for his work as a visual artist and his commitment to integrating African culture and experiences into his art. One story that highlights his resilience is his journey through the challenges of establishing himself as an artist while balancing other responsibilities.Wright faced difficulties in gaining recognition and navigating the art world, especially given the limited resources and opportunities available to emerging artists. He often encountered setbacks, including rejection from galleries and a lack of financial support. Despite these obstacles, Wright remained dedicated to his craft. He continued to refine his skills and seek out new opportunities, often using unconventional spaces to showcase his work and build his network.His persistence and commitment to his vision eventually led to greater visibility and recognition for his work. Wright’s resilience in overcoming these challenges is a testament to his dedication to his art and his ability to persevere through adversity.

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

For Raymond Omotolani Wright, as a visual artist, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is likely the ability to express his unique perspective and connect with others through his work. Art allows him to explore and convey themes related to African culture, identity, and personal experiences, which can resonate deeply with viewers.Seeing his work evoke emotional responses, provoke thought, or inspire others can be profoundly fulfilling. Additionally, contributing to the broader cultural dialogue and influencing the art community offers a sense of accomplishment and purpose. For many artists, the joy of creating and the impact their work has on others are among the most rewarding aspects of their creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: rayart_studios

Image Credits

Blaqvisuals_001