Today we’d like to introduce you to Raysa Molina.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Raysa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since 2012, I have participated in 18 art shows which give me the opportunity to learn a lot about what is happening in the art scene in Orlando. Several things gained my attention. For instance: The lack of both, venues, and the participation of other parts of our community in art events, and more concerning, the division into small groups within the art community of this city. Artists need a voice and more opportunities to show their art. With this in my mind, it was that I created this group.
In June of 2018, “The Alive Artist Group” was born with the intention to improve the quality of Central Florida art scene, and also to expand opportunities for artists through creating art exhibits, networking, marketing, educational workshops, advocacy, and collaborative works.
I created this group with three goals in mind: first, to create more opportunities for local artists to show their work. Second, is to attract other parts of our city to engage with our art events. For example, areas outside the “art scene” like interior designers, architects, lawyers, realtors, etc. And last but not least, to incorporate innovative and creative art events different than the usual “art exhibits”, adding other elements like dance, singers, live music, live painting which will bring more interactions between the artworks and the visitors.
Our first exhibit was “Alive Art Exhibit” with the participation of 12 artists. It took place at CityArts Factory in June 2018 to commemorate the second anniversary of Pulse tragedy. Our second exhibit, “Unusual Frida”, took place at Mcrae Art Studios in December 2018 to honor Mexican painter Frida Kahlo with 32 artists on display. Today, “The Alive Artist Group” has grown to over 50 artists. We are a group of diverse backgrounds, all with the desire to give a voice to our personal and unique expressions.
This year, “The Alive Artist Group” will continue to work on its two annual art exhibits, “Unusual Frida Art Exhibit”, and “Alive Art Exhibit.” In order for this group to keep growing, we are working on organizing a monthly art show, pop up art events, and several workshops.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, “The Alive Artist Group.” Has been experiencing numerous positive things. For example: Since “Unusual Frida Art Exhibit” was an art event involving different elements, its organization was complex, but because of the artist’s cooperation, and the way the public engaged in all forms of art happening at the event that night, Unusual Frida was a complete success. As a new organization, “The Alive Artist Group” has faced some challenges like the lack of gallery space available and the lack of a budget to operate, but we are diligently working on finding sponsors for our future events.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your background – what should we know?
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, I pursued my passion for design and graphics and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in my country of origin (UNPHU) in 1989.
After moving to the United States, I have taken numerous training in the areas of graphic design, architectural illustrations, digital technology, as well as different art techniques such as colored pencil, charcoal, and acrylic.
I’m a landscape designer and an architectural illustrator by trade, and a self-taught artist with a passion for visual art. I took the world of graphics and add a unique and personal approach, translating my emotions into a piece of art. My body of work is predominantly semi-abstracts and I bring peace, balance, and harmony to my paintings through a unique sense of contrast, rhythm, and movement using shapes and color.
Since 2012, I have participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, exhibiting in the most prestigious art galleries in Central Florida, such as Cityart factory (downtown Orlando) and the Orlando Museum of Art, as well as major events such as the Hispanic business expo (Orange county convention center), Women in the arts (Downtown Orlando public library) and the seventh Hispanic heritage art show (Orlando city hall). My work is featured in private collections like Bliss Healthcare Services and Central Florida Pulmonary Group.
I celebrate beauty and magnificence through my work, unleashing my mind through dream interpretations, simple yet strong compositions using pure colors, mixing light with darkness to arouse the deepest emotions through a spiritual realization.
My artistic expression began as a response to a deeply traumatic period in my life. In an attempt to escape my painful reality, I turned inward. In this process of emotional and spiritual exploration, my art became the vehicle of my healing. Without even realizing it, I discovered my very essence as an artist.
Spiritual growth became the driving force behind my artistic evolution as my mind began to translate my feelings into shapes, textures, and colors. In this way, my art gave me the means to understand my emotions, allowing me to transform my fears and grief into artistic imagery.
At first, I kept these images to myself. Because they were so deeply personal, it took three years before I was able to share them. Once I did, I was amazed at how others could understand and connect with them.
As a whole, my art is an ongoing journey that keeps me in touch with my internal reality and the divinity within. Throughout the years, my art has evolved with the use of new color palettes, starting with a single color that symbolizes nature, then incorporating warm colors and the use of organic and geometric forms, which is my personal expression of how I see life, sending a message of love, peace, balance, and harmony to those who contemplate my work.
Most of my pieces could be described as my most pure and highest expression of freedom, and to be adventurous without following any rules. My artworks generate subtle and feminine energy and are accentuated by an extensive and varied composition of colors, contrasts, forms, and tones.
My greatest achievement as an artist has been to witness how my art can resonate with others and create a spiritual connection through the recognition of our shared emotions. This is my main reason for continuing this fascinating journey, which has helped me to heal my spiritual wounds and become whole.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think our city has a huge potential for visual arts, especially because of the talent of the local artists and we need more groups that help the development of our local artists.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1683 Watauga Avenue, #105
Orlando, Florida 32812 - Website: https://raysamolina.weebly.com/
- Phone: 4074358417
- Email: raysamolina@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raysa_molina_art/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thealiveartistsgroup/?modal=admin_todo_tour
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/artbyraysamolina/
Image Credit:
Don Agnello
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