Arizona artist spotlight: Raymond Francis John

Published: 10/06/2023

Meet Phoenix-based artist Raymond Francis John featured in our exhibit Greater Phoenix Pastimes

What do you love most about being an artist in Greater Phoenix?

Besides all of the great subject matters…Location, weather and proximity to Arizona and Southwestern Art Festivals.

What role do you think arts and culture plays in our community as a whole?

Art and design is everywhere, it is visual. It affects and influences people in different ways with color, shape, words and usage. So, it has a big role, it has an effect that most do not even realize.

What advice do you have for artists wanting to get involved in the local art scene?

Ha! I wish I knew so I’d give it to myself. Seriously though, it is a work in progress for me. The two years that I’ve been able to participate in Art Festivals in Arizona and California have given me a great learning experience. But the best advice I can give an artist is to just get it out there!

What famous artist, deceased or living, would you most want to have dinner with, and what local restaurant would you take them to?

Vincent Van Gogh. His life and death fascinates me. I‘d have a lot of questions. He didn’t really eat well, and probably wouldn’t feel comfortable in a fancy restaurant so I would take him to an iHop for sirloin steak and eggs with hash browns and maybe a side of pancakes!

When you’re in a creative slump, where do you turn to for artistic inspiration?

Actually, I clean and organize my home or work space. It gives me a chance to clear my mind and relax. Afterward, I am ready to go. Another way is I’ll pick an object/subject, think about how I’d like to re-create it and then put pen to paper. I may not even finish it, but it opens the creative side of my brain and other ideas tend to pop up.

For more information about purchasing his artwork, contact Raymond directly:

raymondfjdesigns@gmail.com | raymondfrancisjohn.com

 

Color of Money
Digital Illustration
16” x 20”
$249

 

 

 

 

 

Bunker Shot
Digital Illustration
16” x 24”
$290

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Greater Phoenix Pastimes to see 130+ original art pieces by 80+ Arizona artists

Editor’s Note: This blog has been lightly edited for length and clarity.