In response to Paul Dorrells answer to the question of creating a signature style, in the March ’09 “Ask The Experts” column.

            A signature style is about consumerism not Art.

It makes life for those who are selling, buying, or writing about the Artists work easier.

            Art is not something separate from life and life is full of possibilities.  Where is the inquiring mind, the boundary pushing and innovative experience?   Where is the journey of the Artist?   To encourage the shrinking of an artist’s capabilities and understandings of themselves and the world around them is such a disservice!

            As a self-educated Artist and having sold several thousand original works (over 19 years) the idea of repeating the same focus in the same manner through out the rest of my life is stomach revolting and terrifying death-like to my artist’s soul.  Yes I do have special areas of interests (and I need to pay the bills) yet I demand my exploration of new areas of expression continuously.   Not only does this bring great personal enrichment to my life but it is the stairway to greater mastery of my artistic talent and expression. 

            I began calling myself a Creative Expansionist/Painter in 2006 after working with a Gallery that was academically driven in its thinking and selling vocabulary.  They just didn’t know how to explain how I could make paintings that looked nothing alike!

            If there are any other Artists out there who are dedicated and productive who have different areas of interest, focus, medium and STYLES within their Art, please join me in the creation of a new way of understanding for the consumers of Art; about the Artists who choose to explore their limitless capabilities.  To read my informal manifesto and reasoning of what a Creative Expansionist is visit my web site www.rayasartstudio.com. 

Toss Fear Out The Window!  Let’s start a discussion.

Raya