Meet Rich Ayers: Muralist

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

Hi Rich, how do you think about risk?
Risk has been a common theme throughout all of my creative endeavors. From painting and taking photographs in places without permission to the very act of just creating in itself. Im constantly pushing myself and trying ambitious things with my art. Its how accel and learn most efficiently. There’s nothing like jumping right into the deep end and committing to learning to swim.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Im a 35 year old graffiti/street artist turned muralist who grew up studying photography from a fairly young age. A few years ago I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and it changed my whole world around. I was so sick I thought I was dying snd spent weeks in bed unable to do even the most miniscule of tasks. It was an absolute nightmare. And it came right after I had painted my largest and most intricate mural to date. I tried every doctor, specialist, and treatment available in Western medicine. when that didnt work, I turned to medicinal plants and fungus and immediateoy began seeing results. My interests began to shift with the healing that I was doing and coincided with my peaked interest in plants and mushrooms. I made friends with wonderful people who helped me in this journey by sharing their knowlege or directly giving their energy toward my healing process in some way shape or form. Im now driven to pass this along. I want to help to heal others as well as educate on all the bountiful medicine available to us without having to go to a pharmacy or drug store. I want to inspire people to take interest in and deeply care about this planet and all of its beautiful creations by bringing that magical feeling directly to them through my murals.

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?
Lets go into the woods and look for edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms!!! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Id like to give a massive shoutout to a couple of my friends…. Ken aka @phybr – for showing me that its possible to have a fulfilling and healthy life painting on things as well as helping me to find the strength and courage to go out and do it. Thanks for all of your help! Corey Lewis(@seventhskullstudios), my mentor for opening my eyes and teaching me to see. Teaching me to be. Being an a solid friend and mentor. Heather Wysor – For all of your amazing, divine energy and the knowlege youve bestowed onto me. I’ll never find the right words to thank you for all of the healing youve helped me to acheive. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.

Website: http://richayers.art

Instagram: @rich_ayers

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me.