New Luminary Artist Series!!

Featured Artist: Alexis Rakun

I’m starting a new series on my blog called “Luminary Artists” which will spotlight a different artist every few months or so and I’m REALLY excited to introduce you all to so many incredibly inspiring humans that the world of Instagram has revealed to me! The beings chosen really stand out to me as creatively influential people who not only make incredible art, but have a badass message to share.

The definition of Luminary: “A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.”

I chose the title Luminary Artist because these creatives have a special way of influencing and connecting with their audiences.  Of course, through their visual art, but also through their captions, comments and stories found on social media.  My hope for this new venture is to give you a glimpse of the inner workings and lifestyles of these imaginative creatures and activate newfound curiosity and motivation to explore creativity more frequently in your own lives.

I asked Alexis Rakun to be my first featured artist because she has consistently blown me away with her artistic vision and consistently positive and empowering messages within every piece she releases. I’ve been lucky enough to buy a few pieces of her work and proudly hang them in my home! It takes a special eye to appreciate the kind of detail that goes into her work, and a special heart to uplift up the viewers. Let’s get to it!

Name: Alexis Rakun 

Age: 24

Signs: Gemini Sun. Capricorn Moon. Aries Rising.

Location: Texas

Website: Just my instagram @alexisrakun for now!

What is your artistic background?
I first started off drawing insects as a child. I grew up in a rural area by a creek. As I grew into my teens, I started becoming fascinated with drawing human faces. I especially loved eyes (still do lol.) My art became "trippy" and very expressive. A 2-year long depression I had around the ages of 14-16 heavily influenced my art. As I got into my twenties I found myself constantly wanting to paint Goddesses and powerful women. I felt I was really getting into touch with my feminine side. These days, my art seems to reflect my mental reality in regards to what I wish to put out into the world; the ways I can incorporate personal lessons and truths in a visually stimulating piece. I have been doing what I call "Art Quotes" which is essential the consolidation of words and illustrations. I have always been writer. At times, perhaps even more so than an Artist. I used to make my mom drop me off early in High School so I could use the quiet library to type my poems. lol. Always been a romantic.

Who are your favorite artists? 
The living and breathing Artists I see every day pouring out their hearts and souls. Especially all the beautiful Artists I've discovered on Instagram.

What does your work aim to say overall?
Stay inspired. Question everything. Empower yourself. Find the lessons in everything. Love the shit out of yourself. Do good. Stay curious. Seek the magic.

What are your struggles as an artist?
Over-thinking my pieces. It stifles creativity and decreases production. Also, Art Theft online. The internet is not in favor of protecting Artists right now. It's a risk every time I post something. But I do it anyways. Because in the end, my Art is not about me. It's about everyone. It's for everyone. So I let it go and try to have faith that it will reach who it needs to. I like to think that the Universe uses me as a channel to send people messages.

What is your favorite part about the creation process?
Connecting with spirit. Entering the state of flow.

Name a big dream of yours that you hope to come true in your lifetime:
Publish an illustrated novel featuring a female hero's journey.

What are your main art mediums?
Acrylic paint, Ink Markers, Guitar, iPad and Apple Pencil 

At what point in your life did you claim your identity as an “Artist”? 
When I literally couldn't stop making Art. Age 15ish. I used to get in trouble at school all the time because I just. couldn't. stop. I had a lot of unanswered question in my mind at that point. It seemed the expressive and free-flowing drawing somehow soothed my over-active mind (still like this today but I've chilled out a lot. Thank goodness.)

Who are your biggest influences?
Frida Kahlo #1 for obvious reasons. Like her vulnerability and expressionism. Also, Salvador Dali. Even though he was a total creep. Facts. But I got the divine fortune of visiting his self-designed museum in Spain last year. It was so intense I had to take breaks. It's an overwhelming experience being inside the contents of someone else's mind. Especially his. I literally felt nauseous at points. But even still, it was wildly inspiring. I am more influenced by his character though. Less his art. He inspires me to be authentic, creative, rule-breaking, unapologetic, and unstoppable. My other artistic influences are Walt Disney. I am a total Disney geek and worship all of their work. I used to want to be an animator as a child. Still kinda do actually. My writing influences are Paulo Coehlo of "The Alchemist" and Lewis Carrol of "Alice In Wonderland". My musical influences are Waylon Jennings (old 70's country singer and guitarist) and Etta James. She sings the popular "At Last."

What is your favorite piece of artwork you’ve created?
"If Your Life Was A Book... Would You Feel Inspired By It?" It helps me to remember the big picture. And take actions that align with my highest visions. Not to get too consumed in small details and events.

What characteristics do you envision your higher self to have (physical and non-physical)?
I envision her as a powerful luminescent being. Radiating wisdom, light, magic, and beauty. A visible third-eye of course and all purple eyes.

A quote (or quotes) that deeply resonates with you:
"As is your desire, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny." - Bhagavad Gita

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't. You are always right." - Henry Ford

What advice do you have to those just starting out in their craft? 
Be patient. Don't be too controlling with your vision. Let it unfold and change if it seems right. Small steps, greats leaps.