Meet Max Raign | Studio Artist and Educator

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

Hi Max, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think I decided to pursue art as a career path partially because it’s something I enjoy, but also because art allows me the chance to reflect and think about what’s happening around me. Art has also allowed me to connect and work with so many great people with likeminded views and unique perspectives which I absolutely love. I feel that art works as equalizer that lets people from all backgrounds and experiences speak and share their unique views of the world while also connecting with others through shared experiences and life connections. A career in art for sure isn’t an easy path, but it gives me a level of fulfillment that other careers couldn’t.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work primarily as a painter, but my art is very mixed media and frequently combines elements of fibers, fabrics, bookmaking, and found materials. With my art I look into small moments and daily interactions to highlight the silliness of existence and celebrate the mundane. So much art is about big dramatic events, which is great, but when the bulk of our lives is built on simple moments it feels important to create art that represents the prosaic events that make life interesting. I’ve gotten to where I am today as an artist due to the support and inspiration I’ve received from other people; I feel very privileged to be in the situation I currently am producing art, and I absolutely couldn’t have done it without the support and care from others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend coming into Dallas for the weekend, I’d definitely want to take them out to see some local art. We’d definitely go down to the Tin District and go gallery hopping at some of my favorite spots like Erin Cluely Gallery, Craighead Green Gallery, Talley Dun, R02 and so many more. While we’re in the Tin District we’d have to stop and grab food and drinks at one of the many many bars and restaurants in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s just so many people that I could shoutout right now that it’s hard to pick! I feel that so many people and groups have really helped me to get where I am and become the artist I am currently. I’d definitely like to give a shoutout to the Foundations Department at UNT where I currently work and to my Graduate Thesis Commitee and the Studio Art faculty at UNT as well. All those people have really helped to support and encourage me in so many invaluable ways. Without the support of my coworkers, faculty members, and friends within the UNT system my graduate school experience would be very different for sure.

Website: www.max-raign.com

Instagram: @maxothelioma