044: Building a Life as an Artist with Fay Ray

In this episode, artist Fay Ray and I have a beautiful and honest conversation about the art world, what it means to be both an artist and a parent, and how designers can better understand and incorporate art into spaces. Fay Ray also reminds us of the challenges of building a life as an artist, and she shares how she has remained devoted to her work over the years. 

There’s so much here to talk about that we could do a part two to this episode, so stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful conversation.

Guest Bio

Los Angeles-based artist Fay Ray explores the fetishization of objects and the construction of female identity through high-contrast, monochrome photomontages and metallic sculpture. For her three-dimensional works, Fay Ray compiles cast aluminum objects, bored volcanic rocks, wire, chain, and natural materials into suspended sculptural masses. Conflating worlds of worship and desire, the works across mediums borrow from the symbolism and composition of traditional religious relics and the visual language of the occult. Ray’s sculptures and collages hint at the presence of a rematerialized body through a mysterious yet systematic organization of abstract form.

Fay Ray (b. 1978, Riverside, CA) received her BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in 2002, and her MFA from Columbia University in 2005. She has exhibited at galleries within the US and internationally, including Shulamit Nazarian, Los Angeles (2016 & 2018); Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris (2016); Louis B James Gallery, New York (2016); JOAN, Los Angeles (2015); Honor Fraser Gallery, Los Angeles (2012); and Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills (2011) and New York (2007), among others.

Featured in this episode

Featured candle: Beeswax candle from Mithras Candle

Featured brew: Mushroom Mocha from Fun Earth Co

Featured Tarot deck: Moon BB Magick Tarot by Angela Mary Magick

Connect with Fay Ray

Oolong Gallery

See Fay Ray’s work at Oolong Gallery in Solana Beach! Please reach out to the gallery with any inquiries about the show.

Fay Ray Studios Website

Fay Ray Studios Instagram

Fay Ray Clay Instagram

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Connect with Rachel Larraine

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