Rae Broyles Bio/ Artists Bio I was raised by a "Madman". Growing up in 1960's Chicago, I was surrounded by my fathers' freespirited lifestyle as a painter, illustrator, jazz pianist and eventually advertising exec extraordinaire. My father, Ray Raedel, was a student of Norman Rockwell and an accomplished painter. His father and 3 generations before that were also painters traced back though Danish history. Dutifully, I studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago and then the preeminent Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where I learned many technical aspects of art through the help of great teachers and mentors including painter Richard Merkin. I then spent over 15 years in the commercial art world. My career culminating with the role of Creative Director. But during this time, creating with a distinct marketing purpose and numerous limitations became lackluster and unfulfilling. Now, after 16 years of painting, I find myself complete, as an artist, a creator, an author of visual poetry. There is no longer an alternative. Color, texture, tactile adventures are what move me. I can let myself freely discover new images, vexing techniques and alternative ways of presenting emotion while I fall away from this world and into a realm of physical and mental reverie. It is important to me that the energy that I feel while I create art is evident in the final piece. The result of the unexpected variations invites the viewer to experience the variable nature of my painting process. I also hope to offer the opportunity to use one's own imagination while experiencing these pieces. My process and materials are my motivation but I also succumb to the thought that I am but a vessel trough which creativity flows; putting down on the canvas the images that exist in the universe but and have yet to be physically realized." I have experimented with many techniques and have repeatedly discovered my own processes. After creating a series of cyanotypes covered with wax, I then went onto mix chemicals to create a van dyke brown sun-sensitive fabric which can be seen in my living Shroud Series. I have also created a unique process of incorporating video and 2-dimensional abstract painting. These video-graphic works incorporate dance choreography, painting and video production as well. Most recently, I am headed towards a new minimalism. It is a calming of sorts in the respect that it is not work void of emotion like traditional minimalists but more an essentialism in my work. Most recently, I have been accepted into the National Artists program at the prestigious A.I.R Gallery started by Nancy Spero in 1972. I was named Media Media Artist of the year 2016 by Art Design Consultants in Cincinnati Ohio and I am a platform artist winner with work on display this April in Art Expo New York 2017. My work has also been seen at Caelum Gallery in Chelsea at the New York Art Week Show in March of 2017.
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