Meet Patricia Rae

We recently connected with Patricia Rae and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I fancy myself a bit of a renaissance woman. I’m a really creative person; I act, I paint, I’m a healer, I’m a podcaster. I’ve always been confident with so many of my skills. Acting came naturally to me, because I’m an empathetic person, and I can express myself emotionally. That empathy was easily translated into my healing practice as a Reiki master, because I’m drawn to exploring energy. So naturally I would be peaked by healing it.

But as a fine artist, imposter syndrome became my tormentor. A few years back, when I started to take my painting seriously, those fears began manifesting as paralyzing creative blocks. I would paint myself into corners, trash my paintings, often painting over canvases several times. That’s when I decided to take some art classes to free up my instrument. But that resulted in the opposite effect, stagnating inspiration with technique.

But it wasn’t until I listened to a great book on artistry, written by Rick Rubin, that I was able to channel that fear into self expression on canvas. “The Creative Act”, cracked my creativity wide open, forcing me stare down self doubt, and fill the void with emotion, feelings, inspiration, and journey. Free of judgement, and without the added expectation that every piece had to be a masterpiece.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Patricia Rae is a fine artist and published children’s book illustrator, who specializes in watercolor and acrylic on canvas. Her paintings reflect her years as a Holistic Healer and Reiki Master, Specializing in Crystal healings. Many of her abstract pieces are infused with reiki energy and coincide with the healing themes of the 7 major chakras, expressed through color schemes, flow, textures, and movement.

She will be a featured artist at this years Frogtown ArtWalk September 21st, 2023, 4-10pm, in Los Angeles CA.

https://www.evartscollective.com/copy-of-artwalk-2022

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Humility, has been the key to a fruitful life. Allowing for my gifts to be of service, has been an instrumental part my journey towards purpose and meaning.

A person can be very seasoned and skilled in their particular craft. But if they aren’t sharing their skills for the betterment of their community, it’s like hoarding your talents. And I’m not referring to trying to change the world. Small acts of love and kindness can move mountains. I always tell my clients, “I don’t need to heal the world. I just try to heal one heart at a time”.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I stop and breathe. I sit down in my quiet space, and work on some breathing exercises; To slow down the racing mind and heart rate. And I work on expanding my lungs to their fullest capacity… Breathing also serves as a reminder to ground myself and count my blessings. Which helps keep me in a state of abundance instead of fear.

It’s surprising how many times a day we hold our breath. Or stop breathing all together. I was fortunate enough to be asked to create a breathing segment for my friends at RAN– the Recovery Advocate Network. Its’s a non-for-profit space for people dealing with mental health issues and/or recovery from addictions. I highly encourage your readers to listen to the 15 min. segment, of guided breathing exercises. No experience breathing necessary. lol

It’s title “Let’s all breathe” and can be found on their website or spotify or Apple Podcasts

www.recoveryadvocatenetwork.org

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thepatriciarae
• Facebook: patricia rae
• Twitter: @thepatriciarae
• Youtube: @cookingwithpatty

Image Credits

photography by Matt Kallish