Nature provides artist’s supplies, inspiration
When Lisa Ray was a child, she would take her red wagon into the woods and collect things like moss, rocks and sticks. She would paint the rocks and make things with what she found. She would pull her wagon door to door and urge others to buy her creations.
Ray has been making things since she was 5, learning how to crochet and building willow furniture. She hit the ground running after high school, traveling, exploring and creating, all the while focusing on her goal to be a world-famous artist.
She researched Native American tribes and her own bloodline. For about 27 years she made masks.
“My initial curiosity and inspiration for masks stemmed from the realization that many of us wear layers of masks to hide emotions such as pain, insecurity and fear,” she said in her artist’s statement, “It is our lifelong struggle to peel away the masks to allow our true, unencumbered self to shine through.”
Made with quills, beads, furs, skulls and skins, her masks became renowned. Her work is in the Smithsonian Museum and at one time, she was in 250 galleries around the world. She has sold her work to collectors and celebrities, and won numerous awards.
Her dream to be a world famous artist was realized and she needed a break.
“I wanted to slow down a bit,” she said, “Maybe raise some chickens, garden, have a cup of coffee and take it easy.” She ended up in Spokane 10 years ago, settling into her Spokane Valley home three years ago.
Ray is an avid fisherman and hunter. She canoes and rides motorcycles. She enjoys the woods, rivers and lakes. After a refreshing vacation, she’s at it again. Working out of a converted red barn on her Valley property, she began to expand on her talent for environmental designs and interior illusions, meant to transform people’s homes in ways that will affect their lives.
Her creations bring the outdoors in. Using elements from nature, she builds furniture, custom cabinetry, mirrors and other decorative items. She also does faux painting and oil paintings.
Her biggest goal now is to “move, touch, inspire and live an extraordinary life” and to be “unstoppable, unrocked and unaffected” by the ills of the world. Being one with nature and bringing it to others is exciting to her, and she plans on going national again.
“I’ve never wanted to settle for mediocrity, and I believe that human beings can accomplish anything.”
De Scott, owner of Simply Northwest at 11806 E. Sprague Ave., said, “She’s an incredible, multitalented magician.” Ray’s work can be seen all over Scott’s store, from walls to floors. All of her talents have been employed: painting, building furniture and decorative items, and interior design.
“The Northwest has a lot to offer, in its beauty, people, nature and talents,” said Scott. “It’s exciting to showcase such talent.”