Virginia Ray

  • LOOKING GLASS (12 x 11 x 3 inches) Antique book, Chinese text, mica, dried stems, beeswax.
  • A PRAYER (20 x 13 x 3) Antique music sheet, brass cup, seed pods, silver beads.
  • ALCHEMY (21 x 14 x 2 inches) Antique frame and key, book covered in beeswax, seed pods.
  • SMOKE (18 x 11 x 2 inches) Old bellows, antique Indian money, tuning pegs, resin.
  • BOOK OF LIFE (11 x 12 x 2 inches) Antique book, tins with leaf and old key, coconut beads, beeswax.
  • DETAIL FROM BOOK OF LIFE (5 x 6 inches) Tin with ginkgo leaf and tea bag covered in beeswax.
  • APOTHECARY (18 x 21 x 6 inches) Glass pyramids from an old lamp, Buddha head, sacred ribbon, pods, key, vetiver root mat.
  • DETAIL OF APOTHECARY (8 x 5 x 5 inches) Rusted glass pyramid with antique jar full of rose buds, coconut fiber.
  • CONVERSATION WITH THE STARS (18 inch diameter x 2) Found rusted ring and strainer handle, starfish, bell, starfruit paper, putka pods.
  • The artist at work in her studio.

Virginia Ray, transforming everyday objects into inspiring art.

Curious and imaginative, I love studying ordinary and mysterious objects found in our everyday life and the natural world.  Sharing new ways of seeing through my whimsically meditative assemblage style wall sculptures, prayer flags and interactive public works is one of my lifelong inspirations.  The art of placement, making sense out of seemingly unrelated items is like a game or a puzzle.  Through deep observation and play, I’ve learned how to capture life’s magical spark.  Enjoy the treasure hunt quality of my art.  May you recognize the grace and beauty ever present in ordinary life.

About Prayer Flags: My nature-filled hanging ‘drawings’ made from recycled fibers, are an artistic interpretation of an age old tradition. They exude inspiration and peace.  When hung, the wind, sunlight and other elements catch the prayers and sends their intentions into the universe to be heard.  I lead flag making and other creative workshops for the community and individuals, including the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. www.esalen.org .  Please visit my website for prayer flag photos.

“Virginia makes the prayer flags a meaningful tool for healing.”

Leslie Davenport, Humanities Program Director at Marin General Hospital and the Institute for Health & Healing

“Her pieces are a visual meal that feeds the soul and engages the creative spirit.” Dr. Barbara McCoy

“Virginia’s work speaks in ways that illuminate life more directly than words.  Graceful and precise, each displays an individuality, like when a large family of talented children take turns expressing their gifts.”

Franklin LaVoie

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  • Artist Info

    • Santa Cruz, CA
      US - Pacific

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