Meet Max Raign | Artist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Max Raign and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Max, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’ve been in DFW my whole life, growing up in Corinth then moving to Denton when attending UNT for undergrad. I consider myself from Denton because I’ve lived in the city for so long and grew up in such close proxy, but I’m very much from the suburbs. I think growing up in the suburbs in very defining, they’re a weird place that aren’t quiet like anywhere else, but every suburb is sort of similar. I think the places we come from and what’s around us have a huge impact on the type of people we are so I think it’s important for us to have awareness of how we exist in the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I primarily work in painting and drawing, but I also weave and embroider, handmake paper, and frequently use elements of collage and sculpture. My art mainly looks into modern suburban living with a sarcastic and satirical tone, examining some of the weird aspects of everyday like that doesn’t always make perfect sense, but just feels right. I use a large variety of materials and I’ll frequently uses ‘incorrect’ materials, but treat them to the point they start to feel correct. Cardboard or newspaper may not be archival and will change overtime, but our memories and associations aren’t stagnant and will change overtime too so it feels right to allow the art to change and grow along side me. I think my personal perceptive and tone is what sets me apart from other artists similar to me. I try to balance humor and attitude with a softer more thoughtful tone in my art and try to really put my personality into the work I create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh there are so many cool places around Dallas so that’s tough. We’d definitely go to the Arts District at some point, there’s tons of cool museums but my favorites are probably the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of art. If we’re able too, I love to take people to see the Warehouse and some of the other museums in the Design District. I also love to take advantage of the nature all around Dallas too so if the weather if nice we can go talk at the Trinity Forest Trail! Then if we’re still in Dallas for dinner, maybe stop for Tex-Mex and a beer somewhere, unwind from the day and enjoy the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man, honestly I don’t even know who I would want to shout out. From my partner, to my friends and family, and all the other people in my life there are so many positive forces and influences that push me forward. The faculty and friends I have at the University of North Texas are all amazing and to be surrounded by all these great people encourages me to progress my art and myself. One of the major influences I think I’ve had in my life since childhood is the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon series. The world and characters Bill Watterson created are so bright and positive while still being grounded in some reality, I’ve always loved Calvin and Hobbes and with Watterson’s new book coming out in October a shout out seemed necessary!

Website: www.Max-Raign.com

Instagram: @Maxothelioma