We were lucky to catch up with Reinilda Blair recently and have shared our conversation below.

Reinilda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My solo exhibition, Transcendence, was both the toughest and most meaningful project I’ve ever tackled. It all began after a brush with death, which sparked a deep urge within me to channel my thoughts and feelings into my art. At the time, I didn’t realize I was creating my solo show, but as I worked, everything started to come together beautifully. Each piece told a story, capturing different parts of my journey—before, during, and after the life-altering experience.

The passing of my father earlier that year added another layer of depth to my work. His loss fueled some of my most intense and introspective pieces, as I dug deep into my emotions like never before. I truly believe that creating art that reflects your inner world is incredibly powerful. Our inner lives are so personal and unique, and sharing those emotions through art can create a connection unlike any other.

Pouring my heart and soul into each painting was like therapy for me. My art became a kind of diary, documenting my past, present, and hopes for the future.

Reinilda, 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?

While my journey with painting began at the age of 8, it wasn’t until January 2021 that I fully embraced it as a career path. Encouraged by a fellow artist friend, I took the leap to open my Instagram and participate in vending events. I’ve remained dedicated and consistent in my artistic pursuits ever since. My preferred medium is acrylics, often incorporating modeling paste, glitter paints, and occasionally dabbling in air dry clay sculpting.

My fascination with acrylics dates back to my childhood, sparked by watching Bob Ross on PBS at the age of 8. Despite not knowing he was working in oils, I eagerly attempted to follow his techniques, learning to paint quickly and blend extensively to keep up with his 30-minute show. This early influence has shaped my approach to art, leading me to become a fast painter while continually honing my skills.

I consider myself a visionary artist, drawing inspiration from profound experiences, imagination, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness. Through my art, I strive to convey the complexities of the human experience, infused with elements of my Dominican Republic heritage. My ultimate aim is to encourage viewers to delve deeper into their own selves, igniting new visions and connections they may not have previously explored. In essence, the stories I tell are reflections of our shared humanity.

I love adding lots of tiny details to my paintings, making them really special. Nature is a big inspiration for me, so you’ll often see vibrant colors and scenes of plants and landscapes in my art. Each stroke of my brush is thoughtful, bringing life and energy to my work. Whether it’s the petals of a flower or the sunlight filtering through trees, I try to capture the beauty of the world around us in every piece I create. In addition to nature scenes, I also enjoy painting portraits. I focus on capturing the essence of the person, bringing out their unique qualities and personality in my artwork. Just like with my nature paintings, I pay close attention to details, using vibrant colors to make the portraits come to life.

Additionally, I find immense joy in sharing my artistic journey and helping others unlock their imaginations through teaching.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to follow trends to succeed in my art career. Social media often creates pressure for artists to constantly stay up to date with the latest trends, hashtags, design, and more. However, I have come to realize that art is a lifelong journey. My passion for art will likely outlast any current social media trends. I am not seeking to go viral, as I believe it would bring added pressure. I value the freedom to create art without limitations.

My background in marketing has taught me the importance of self-promotion in any field, including art. However, I have found that being put into a specific product box can be limiting, unless that is the artist’s goal. I paint based on my feelings, visions, and color preferences in the moment. Feeling pressured to go viral would discourage me from sharing my work. I believe that building relationships within real-life communities is crucial in the art world, and focusing solely on social media can hinder this growth.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to bridge the gap between people and their spirits through art. The occult has been my obsession since forever – rituals, seances, scrying, etc. But it took a brush with death to push me deeper into the spiritual realm, tapping into the wisdom of my ancestry, higher being, and the angels that guide me.

Since my near-death experience, this journey has taken a deeper dive as I witnessed and felt what it was like to be on the other side. It has intensified my focus on creating art that helps others recognize that we are more than what this reality presents. Our connections run deep within us, tethering us through similar stories, feelings, and realities. I consider myself blessed with the ability to translate these narratives into art forms that are both understandable and capable of igniting visions in my audience. I feel a calling to assist others in alleviating fear of the unknown and embarking on their own journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

This isn’t just a passion; it’s my purpose. By sharing my own story through art, I connect with others and ground myself in this world. It keeps me balanced and focused. Though I can easily lose myself in my work, when someone connects with one of my pieces and shares how it resonates with them, it feels like completing another chapter in my story.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.reinildablair.com
• Instagram: @reinildablair
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/reinildablair