Interview With Visual Artist Rae Akino

Photos Provided By: Rae Akino

 Please share with my readers a little about yourself.

  I am a self taught Black Queer visual artist from DC.  I was raised with a melting pot of influences from Block parties and GoGo music, to Broadway plays and 45's.  I moved to Seattle in 2014 to step out of my comfort zone and haven't looked back since.  

 

 Tell me what inspired you to start doing art?

Initially cartoons inspired me as a kid,  As I got older I began to notice the art around me (Graffiti, album cover posters, hair shows) and that was nothing like what I would ever see in the Smithsonian.  

 

How long have you been painting?

  Off and on for about 10 years, showing for about 3 years.  

 

 In your opinion, what was the hardest part of putting your artwork out there?

Having to talk in crowded spaces about something I am extremely sensitive about.  

 

 What advice would you give to an upcoming artist?

Don't give any energy to those who question or don't understand what you do.  Trust yourself and your work.

 

 What are you hoping people gain from purchasing and seeing your artwork?

To connect.  The stories that usually don't make it into the mainstream usually hit people in the most meaningful ways.  

 

 Do you have an upcoming project coming out?

 Yes, I will be participating in a show in Seattle this Sept, Oct.  It's still in the creation process so I can't give much detail yet.  However it will be announced on my website at the end of August.  

 

 How can some of your pieces be purchased?

 Via my Website, or for custom work (Commissions, murals, book covers, album covers, etc) using the contact page via my website.  www.raeakino.com

 

 

Please share your media pages for new fans that you would like to share.

website: www.raeakino.com

Instagram:  @rae_akino

Facebook @raeakinovisualartist