Yolanda Ray's Intuitive and Playful Approach to Creating Art
Updated Jan 2023: Maker’s Tech U is no longer open.
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Artist chat with Yolanda Ray, a mixed-media artist living in southern New Hampshire. She is inspired by nature, music and her faith in Christ to create artwork each day.
In this interview we chat about Yolanda's art, her search for art that is more authentically her’s, her love of container gardening, the tiniest desk ever and how being a member of Maker's Tech U has helped her grow her online presence and so much more!
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How would you describe your art?
I like to create with lots of color, layers, and texture.
What is it about creating that lights you up?
Working with mixed media. It is a game-changer for me because combining layers and the special qualities of different media into one piece of art helps me express myself more fully.
How do you live a creative life?
I like to start my day with art or another creative project. It’s part of my morning routine. I usually work in one of my sketchbooks or journals just adding dabs of color or quick sketches. It helps me set a positive tone for my day and I usually feel good if I do a little art each day.
How would you describe your creative process?
I like to explore and discover new things. I try not to pressure myself. Lately, I go into making my art in an intuitive playful way. I just decide in the moment what I want to work on. I don’t have a set-up plan and specifics of what to do. It’s one of the only areas in my life that I don’t have to make structure each day.
What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to creating?
I like creating different types of artworks and being able to have a thread of connectivity from one type to the other is difficult sometimes. It’s something that seems expected of artists, to always make work that is recognizably yours, but I’m searching for art that is more authentically mine and maybe that connection between one art type and the other will reveal itself over time.
Do you ever experience creative blocks and what do you do to overcome them?
Occasionally, I have a creative block. First, I try to remember not to be hard on myself. Being an artist is difficult sometimes. When this happens, I know I’ve been creating lots and not taking in new experiences and information. I take time to read and browse through my art, interior design, and gardening books. I also find it helpful to write more. This is also when I know I need to be practicing drawing and sketching. So, I spend lots of time doing those things.
How has your creative journey changed from when you first started creating?
I was super intense when I first started out with acrylic painting. I guess it was because I was a beginner, and I was unfamiliar with the medium. Now I’m used to acrylics and mixed media. It has given me the confidence to explore when I’m making art.
Has technology been a struggle for you in creating an online presence or selling your art online? In what way?
Definitely. I get overwhelmed with the number of options and all the things that you’re supposed to do to have an online presence. And I have the challenges of my head injury symptoms that amplify my tech struggles.
What has benefited you the most from being a member of Maker’s Tech U?
It is amazing to have such a vast library of information at my fingertips. I don’t have to search on my own to find current information to help me with the tech challenges I face as an independent artist. The video lessons and the amazing guest speakers are great. I also love the opportunity to participate in the co-working and business hours! Sometimes working independently can be difficult because you get into your head and don’t have other people that can relate to what you’re going through. These opportunities have all helped me by seeing and hearing other professional makers as they embark on their creative paths.
How has your online presence changed since you joined Maker’s Tech U and applied what you have learned?
I made a new website and I have been working on updating my social media and sharing more. I have more confidence in sharing my art and creative process. One thing that makes me happiest is making my art videos. When I work on them now, I think “this is so cool, I would never imagine I’d be making short art movies!” Lol! And the fact that I now understand the email newsletter thing is major. I just didn’t get it…segments, workflows, it was all a blur until I went through the lessons.
What advice would you give to other creatives struggling to move forward for fear of technology?
Please in the name of self-care get a membership to MTU. I’m serious. Self-care is multi-faceted and availing yourself of as many resources to help you succeed as a maker is important. It will give you confidence in yourself when you learn how to use tech at your own pace. Roben-Marie’s step-by-step instructions and her dedication to her membership clients is amazing. I knew it would be good, but there is so much goodness in this membership I can’t write it all. You have to see it for yourself. It’s awesome.
What changes would you like to make in your creative journey over the next six months?
I will be creating more digital products from my artwork. I’d also like to be more confident in sharing my artwork my way and not worrying too much about what everyone else is doing. If it feels right for me and my art journey, then that’s what I want to do or how I want to present myself as a maker and artist.
What fun activity comes second in your life to creating?
I enjoy learning about gardening. Most of last year I had a small outdoor container garden. It was so fun to see the plants go from seedlings to full blooms all summer and into fall. It was a lot of work, but I looked forward to taking care of it each day.
Describe your workspace or studio…
I work at one of the world’s tiniest art desks! I’ve created so much art and that tiny space has helped me heal in many ways and achieve amazing goals.
Check out all the MTU Member Spotlight Interviews HERE!
Yolanda Ray
As a child, I loved being creative and grew up learning about art from my dad, who was an awesome artist. Over the years, I continued making art and learning as much as possible from artist friends and the occasional art class.
After a head injury, I lost my ability to work my regular job. The only thing that gave me structure and helped relieve my symptoms was creating my artwork. It has become my daily work. It brings me a sense of accomplishment and joy in a difficult situation. One of the main things I’ve learned as an artist is that I love learning new techniques and skills.
Discovering mixed media was a game-changer for me. It helps me to express myself in a new way. I use each layer and media to represent more fully what I want to say with my work.
I am inspired by nature, music, and my faith in Christ to create artwork each day. I live in southern New Hampshire, where I can be found container gardening, listening to music, painting, and journaling.