Conversations with Rae Broyles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Broyles.

Hi Rae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am from a long line of painters, musicians and artisans. My father was an illustrator in the 1950s who studied with Norman Rockwell. He then opened a commercial art studio/ad agency in Chicago where I assisted him with many projects. I studied illustration and painting at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI.

My first job was doing illustrations for a local newspaper and I then moved into graphic design. I worked as a package designer, art director on many brands and eventually worked as the national promotions manager for RC Cola after spending a few years at Cadbury Beverages in Connecticut.

The rise of computer graphics was challenging for me. And although I loved designing, the thrill of the tactile eluded me. I felt a real disconnect with creating with the primitive softwares back in the day. I remember how it took hours just to fave a 2Gig file back then!

So finally, when my husband and I decided to have children, I had the opportunity too stay home and focus on my work. Since 2001 I have been painting professionally.

I started out with a few abstract painting classes to refresh my skills, took a few encaustic classes, and I was off.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle for me have been maintaining confidence in my ideas and not comparing myself to others. I can’t tell you how many times I have created work that was received with a lukewarm review. Them two years later, my style is the latest rage. But I often second guessed myself in the meantime. Occasionally switching gears before I really got started. But I suppose that eventually led me to dig deeper. Which is never a bad thing!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I take two tracks generally. My regular painting practice is how I express myself and the world as I want to see it. I have an ethereal style that often evokes a spiritual or soul touching response from those who connect with it. It brings me joy to work on it and it brings me even more happiness when it touches someone’s heart. I feel like there is a lot of negativity in the world and I try to focus on beauty.

My other track is where I feel I am most creative. I spend about a year creating my solo shows and they include everything from poetry, fashion, installations, painting, printmaking and video. These are themed based exhibitions which are more a response to the world around me. I am currently working on a series about the Sami people of the Nordic Tundra and their spiritual practices. Im even trying my hand this year at wet felting.

I think it is easy to become fixed on what paintings will sell and I have come to realize the place for that while maintaining the important aspect of free flowing creativity and its importance.

I am particularly proud to have been selected for certain exhibitions, teaching engagements and a residency in the south of France. I show my work in NY, Jacksonville, Atlanta and many other locations.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I don’t have a patron account and I am not the best at social media so I am grateful to all the artist friends I have that keep me in the circus. Tagging me, sharing work ideas and socializing. I am always open to collaborations. As a matter of fact, my nephew is a fantastic digital creator and we are currently working on some pieces together. You can see his work on Instagram @faedriel

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.raebroyles.com