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- All artwork by Lisa Ray
For many of us, living out a childhood dream naturally becomes less realistic with age as I have sadly known for some time now that my chances of playing for my beloved Tottenham Hotspur have withered and chipped away like the coastal erosion in the Arctic. Great Notley’s Lisa Ray, however, is the perfect example that through persistence, a burning desire and hard work you can achieve and accomplish your greatest goals.
Having been made redundant in 2019, Lisa Ray spent her free time drawing and painting before all of a sudden, commissions were requested and artwork sold and what used to be a hobby and therapeutic escape from her previous job quickly turned into a full-time career for the 43-year-old.
CommunityAd caught up with Lisa to find out more about her amazing art, future plans and love of Great Notley…
Who were your greatest influences in painting and when did you realise you had a skill for it?
I would say my influences come from a range of sources from fashion, music and graphic art.
I have always been fascinated with graphic design and digital art ever since I was a child in the 80s and its cross-over in the music/fashion scene.
I’m a big fan of the likes of Andy Warhol and Michael English who was a British artist known for poster designs he created in the 1960s for musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and several series of hyperrealist paintings in the 1970s and 1980s.
Ever since I can remember I’ve loved to draw; I think it stemmed from a child when one year I received a huge case of Crayola crayons for Christmas with all the colours you could think of! I would sit there for hours experimenting with all the different colours and I wouldn’t be satisfied until I tried every single one.
My main memory of when I knew art was a strength was when I started high school, we were given the task of drawing sweet wrappers, I used oil pastels and loved to blend the colours, creating a realistic image using complementary colours for highlights and shadow, and I loved creating detailed striking linework for the lettering as I liked the graphic element to the task. I was fascinated by creating something that looked 3D and real by using light and shade.
I remember the teacher loved it and used it as an example for his other classes, it felt really good when my peers would comment great feedback on it and even people that I didn’t know in my year would compliment me about it.
It was such a great feeling knowing I created something that was loved by my teacher and peers alike and being on display, it was a great confidence boost and from then I realised I was actually quite good at something and I knew I wanted to follow a creative path.
For readers that don’t know, are you able to share your journey with them on how you turned your life around from being made redundant to now living your dream as a successful artist?
A little back story is that I studied art but my creativity fell aside when I had to find a job and pay the bills. I found a job in the corporate world in my early 20s and my art fell aside, life took over, I got married had and kids but I always had the bug to be creative, it was always there waiting to get out again.
I was then made redundant in 2019 and I came to a crossroads in my life. When I left my boss told me to keep doing my art, unfortunately, he passed away and I would remember that was the last thing he said to me and it stuck with me. I had spent all my life working for other people not really having a passion for the job, to pay the bills. I wanted to live to work instead of working to live because that’s the ultimate goal, to do something you love as a job, isn’t it? I had just turned 40 and I thought it was time to do something for me now and follow my passion, a new phase of my life, so I did. I’ve been lucky as it has opened lots of doors for me.
I’m now represented by the Wonky Wheel gallery of Finchingfield, I’ve had work showcased at the award-winning Square 1 restaurant, home to MasterChef Professionals winner Alex Webb and have done many commissions for people mainly local and some further afield.
What piece of artwork are you most proud of?
A highlight of my journey as an artist so far is that I recently created an original pop art piece called “The Eye of Your Storm” for the Semi Colon Project, which is a mental health and suicide awareness charity, inspired by my own life experience. I felt strongly that I wanted to do something for this worthy cause just for me. I put it out on social media and the painting was purchased by a special person who the semi colon campaign means a lot to and is very close to his heart as he cared for his partner for a long time who suffered with severe depression. With the sale of this painting, I raised money for the charity which I felt very proud about. There’s a lot of meaning in the piece so it means a lot to me.
For readers who would like to view/purchase your art, where can they go?
You can view and find out more about my work on my socials and can contact me via private message on either Facebook www.facebook.com/modernartbylisaray/ or Instagram @Lisaraypopart.
I’m in the process of building an Etsy shop and website, watch this space!
Do you have any major aims for not just 2021 but long term through your career?
I would like to continue to build up my portfolio and to become more known for my commission work and originals and get more of my work out there. I would like to put Notley on the map!
What advice would you give to someone that might not be unlocking their full talent due to other full-time commitments?
I’d say life is too short, if you have a talent the world needs to see it, if you have a passion for something just go for it, because if you’re passionate for something that will show and you’ll be good at what you do and then with experience you’ll be great. Also, you just don’t know where it will lead you, I started off painting and drawing in my spare time in my bedroom; I never imagined in a million years I’d have paintings up on walls. It’s crazy when I think about it but it just makes me want to produce more and keep growing as an artist.
What do you enjoy most about living in Great Notley?
I love it here because the community spirit is great and has really helped my work to become known locally, everyone has been really supportive and I can’t thank them enough!