Today we’d like to introduce you to Reyna Barnes.
Hi Reyna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began creating as a child- taking up painting like it was my second language. Falling in love with this free form of expression by the age of 16 my body knew this was going to be my way of life. Painting became my reputation throughout my school, and people often came to me for advice or guidance on being an artist. I started going into art competitions yet never placed which had felt a bit discouraging, but I would soon to learn that being an artist means having the will of a cockroach. My first exhibit I got accepted into was back in 2017 at a small gallery called, “ Art Space.” Showing two of originals- one being the story of my adoption and the other of the struggles with anxiety. Fast forward to covid- I went to ACC for a semester but struggled to identify with the school idea as a freeform artist. I could not follow through with the academics as I have had a history struggling with school- unfortunately this led to the next few years of not creating, In 2022 felt this urge to pick up the brush again, and it was like i had never put it down. It became my form of mediation as one could say, being in my space, on my own time, in my own world. Little did I know that would be the beginning to what led me down the path of where I am now. I started posting my artwork online again- meeting a content creator mentor in late 2023 who had helped me get out of my shell to self promote myself and to meet other creators. In late 2024 I joined an art collective called, “Kindered arts.” and have has the opportunity to be apart of exhibits as well as selling prints of my artwork all around Austin.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
– After being rejected quite a few times from exhibits you learn to build a bit of thick skin, remember; The universe always redirects you to your chosen path. What is meant to be will be.
– when I get a bit busy with life and steer away from painting, I have noticed that I can get a bit depressed and not really know what to do with myself. I feel as though painting gives me life- it feeds my soul.
– Being perceived through my artwork was a tough pill to swallow. Yet ya know being seen as an artist means being loved through and through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When it comes to style, it took a bit of play time, but within these past few years after the passing of loved ones I have come to the realization that I could use painting as a form of grief therapy. My landscapes are places that I Have visited with those who are no longer in the physical realm. It truly fills me with joy to share a piece of them to others.
This past year I have been listening to what my inner child self needs and wants are. This directed me towards painting animals as they were the first drawings i made when i was wee one. I always remember to have fun with these pieces and not have a heavy expectation on the outcome.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I don’t believe that there is one person by themselves to be a mentor to a mentee . Your mentor could be your community, a book, even yourself. Meeting other artist that have more experience and listening to their stories is a wonderful way of getting inspired, and to tell you things they they knew when first starting off. Books are the oldest ways of knowledge- study, take the time to invest in your craft. We are all our own teachers in some form, meditate, breathe and remember to listen to what you and others are saying about your craft. Words are a form of manifestating
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.liltulips-art.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulipsartxo
