Ray Anne Barker is a Michigan-based modern abstract artist. Her dynamic pieces are created with rich colors + textures as each shape, line, movement, and emotion presented is picked with specific intention.

In following her work you will find a love for the deeper meanings colors bring to the world. With an underlining theme of letting go of perfection, each piece is in some way an extension of her personal desires and intentions for the day. She works with variances of muted tones to speak the intentions of warmth, peace, serenity, rest, and tranquility into our busy, chaotic lives. She will frequently use pops of color to represent joy, energy, and passion. Gold, for example, can be used to illustrate sophistication, luxury, and wisdom. 

Often feeling trapped by an uncontrollable need for perfection + guidelines, Ray is regularly fighting the battle to need defined lines + rules. She finds a freedom in abstract art that allows for her mind to wander free from those strict requirements. This freedom gives her an understanding of the “grey” area around us and the varying colors in the world, and offers her an opportunity to express her interpretation of those things.

Her paintings are best seen as journal entries of her life experiences through color movement, lines, shapes, and depth. When it comes to art, she would not describe herself as purist, but simply as someone who understands the weight and power of our many expressions. She sees continuity between abstraction + reality which allows her to paint with both emotions + stored memories. She believes there is no one singular interpretation of what’s out in our world. We are all organizing what we see + gather, day in and out. Ray can be found painting her version of her organized senses. She hopes you find peace, rest, and connection in the works of hers that you encounter.

materials used: acrylics, inks, graphite pencils, micron pens, and soft pastels.