Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy McCall
Hi Randy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never imagined that I would be considered an artist. But thanks to life experiences and the encouragement of others, I started creating and have thrived as a creative individual. As a child I was always a sketcher or doodler. I never thought of being an artist until after I became an adult. In high school, I think I got a “C” in one of my art classes.
After going through certain life experiences, I found myself in moments of deep depression and anxiety. Therapy and counseling encouraged me to be more intentional about living life in the “now” and from this I became passionate about creating. I found that putting the thoughts and images that came to my mind on paper and canvas was enjoyable. My art became my songs, my prayers, and my stories and expression of things I couldn’t always articulate.
As I started exhibiting my art in shows and contests, the feedback I received motivated me to keep sharing my work. Despite never having attended art school, I still face moments of self-doubt. However, I realized that I enjoy creating and would continue to do so even if I didn’t show anyone. It was my wife and close friends who encouraged me to continue sharing my work with others. Art literally gives me life and has given me some much as I have connected to this powerful expression.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Heck no (LOL). This is a road of continuous self-doubt and loneliness and self-sabotage and imposter syndrome but at the same time a journey of self-love and faith and hope and perseverance and flying in freedom. Talking to other artist and learning that they too struggle with some of these things have been helpful.
My struggles also include making time to create. I have struggled with spending time creating versus spending time with family or friends or working on my job stuff. I have also experienced times of dealing with others’ opinions of my art. I have also struggled with the business side of art but need to learn the business of art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art has been featured in many exhibits that I am proud of. My are was featured in the 2023 Art Basel spring show in Switzerland, I was a featured artist at the Holy Art virtual art show in London England, and received a Certificate of Achievement for the Luxembourg Art Prize (2022). I am most proud of being selected as a featured artist in the first annual 18th & Vine Art Festival in Kansas City, Missouri. That art show featured so many black artists of color who exhibited varying talents. Many of us bonded during that festival and remain close.
When it comes to my art process, I am not afraid to try different expressions and mediums. I have art on canvas where I have used paper mâché sculpture, I have works that include preserved moss as art, and I have some pieces that use light from LED bulbs. My mind is wide open to all possibilities of the universe and so is my expressions and creative process. Because of this it is hard to describe my art style.
Besides being an artist, I am also a writer. Currently I have two published books, a novel (titled Rise) and a book of poetry and creative prose (titled Sandamasu-When A Man Loves).
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love sharing my art. If someone loves a piece, I could almost give it away which is why my wifarger (wife/manager) is here helping me. I am an introvert at heart. I love people but I need my quiet time. I don’t like talking on the phone at all. Also, I can create art all day, every day. As I stated previously, I continually use different mediums and I do not limit myself to a specific creative expression. I also use a lot of symbolism in my art that comes from classical imagery, my spiritual upbringing, my love of astronomy, my passion for anime, my love of nature, and my continuous & evolving understanding of love.
Pricing:
- Contact me for prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.randymccallart.com
- Instagram: randymccallstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RandyTheArtistMcCall
