Raymond Bartlett – Born in Winnipeg 1953.
I studied Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba from 1982 to 1986. Until 1996, I worked mainly in oil and acrylic. In 1996 I had a stroke, which changed the direction of my art forever. I started working in watercolour, gouache and sometimes acrylic and glass. I began to draw and paint angels, not really knowing why. I was told that my angels were “different”. I didn’t mind that description as I see myself as being “different”.
In time I am sure my art will change or evolve, as everything in life does. As long as I’m being true to myself, that’s what is important. It took me a long time to understand that.
In 1963, when I was ten years old I did my first drawing. I showed it to my Sunday school teacher, as it seemed important for me to share it with her. She said that sometimes God takes things away from you, but gives you something else in return. At the time I thought she was referring to the fact that I was born with Spina Bifida. Thinking back, she was perhaps speaking of the future as well as the past.
In 1996, the stroke did change my life in a most profound way. I made new friendships, renewed old friendships and found within myself a new kind of strength and courage. I find my art much more than paint and brush. It is meditation, joy and like being ten years old again and finding art for the first time all over again…painting for the joy of it, finding my inner spirit, my soul, and my childhood.
Before my father passed away in 1987, he told me to find something I love to do, then do it with passion. I love many things, family, friends and a good cup of tea, but my art keeps my spirit alive and joyful.