We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raymond Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Raymond, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from life experiences. I feel like I’ve always been a do it yourself type of person, because I know no one else is going to do it for me. It honestly started at the beginning of my life. I lost my mother at nearly 5 yrs old and had an interesting home life, to say the least. I very much am the person I am today, because I’ve always had a strong will power and optimism. I look at life with a half glass full mentality, because I know even in difficult times someone else has it much worse than me. It is a realization I’ve always carried.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a full-time artist. I will admit, it took me a while to get comfortable with the title of “Artist”. I still find it odd but have grown accustomed to it. The majority of my works up till this point have been mixed media works on wood. Everything from abstract, landscapes, animals and more. I do tend to get bored very easily and like change. That said, I try and keep it interesting by changing my works or techniques often. I do find myself currently feeling like a transition is needed and am excited to see where I take my work from here. I do currently have a grouping of abstract works hanging at ReRooted 210 Urban Winery in Hemisfair Park, downtown San Antonio. Please stop by, have a glass a wine and take a look. I am always someone who appreciates criticism when it comes to my art, so feel free to let me know your thoughts.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Do not be afraid to leap and to take chances. We live in a time with countless resources, and you can learn new skills practically overnight. I am a confident person and am not afraid of failure. Where others may stick to the path, I often wonder and, in my opinion, this has served me well. I have failed, and from those failures I have been educated. The advice I’d give to others who feel stuck or fear change. Take baby steps, dedicate a little time per week to something that calls you. You may find that in time that you find your confidence in whatever that calling is and take it to the next level. Finding likeminded people with similar interests can be incredibly helpful in the journey.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I am incredibly self-reliant and self-aware by nature. That being said, my partner of 20 years has always been there to support and push me when needed. As mushy as it sounds, she is my rock, my constant and I respect her opinion and voice. My self-reliance comes with stubbornness and on occasion I need someone to call me out and push me in the right direction. On the practical side of things, she also has a business degree; her knowledge has been helpful for me in self-employment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rayallencreations.art
- Instagram: RayAllencreations
