Turning colours into a career

From personal portraits to large-scale murals and even live event illustrations, Raysancia D. Cunha, a young, self-taught artist, based out of St. Cruz does them all with élan. She shares her journey with NT BUZZ

ADITHI SHARMA | NT BUZZ

Raysancia D. Cunha’s art journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and the spirit of learning.

“From the moment I picked up my first crayon and scribbled on the walls, I knew that creating art brought me a sense of peace and joy,” she shares. Encouraged by her family and inspired by early successes in school competitions, she continued to hone her skills leading her to experiment with various mediums, including watercolour, acrylic, pencil sketching, and mixed media.

Even while pursuing her degrees in history, her love for art remained constant. But her decision to transform her passion into a business “was both thrilling and terrifying”, she admits. Managing her studies while building a brand required a delicate balance. “There were times I doubted myself, but I kept going because creating art means so much to me,” she says. Slowly but surely, she built her business, taking on custom portrait requests, mural projects, and even live event illustrations.

“I started my art account, ‘_artby.ray_’, on Instagram in 2018 to share my ‘Inktober’ works. Over time, it gave my art visibility, attracted more inquiries, and helped me connect with a wider audience” she says.

She also participates in local art exhibitions, collaborations, and workshops, which have helped expand her reach. “Marketing my work involves a mix of online presence, collaborations, and consistent engagement with my audience,” she says. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, process videos, and interactive stories, she has built a loyal customer base. “Word-of-mouth referrals have played a huge role in growing my business. When people resonate with your art, they become your biggest advocates,” shares Cunha.

Commissioned work is a significant part of her business, ranging from personal portraits to large-scale murals. “I work closely with clients to understand their vision while ensuring my artistic style remains intact,” she says. One of her most special projects was recreating a painting displayed at the Church of Our Lady of Penha de França in Britona. “It was an honour to restore a historic piece, ensuring its beauty remained preserved for future generations.”

Her work is already gaining recognition beyond Goa. She has shipped her original pieces and prints to clients in the U.K., U.S.A., Australia, and Germany—a milestone she hardly imagined reaching. “Knowing that my art is part of someone’s home across the world is a surreal feeling.” Her murals have already found a home in Panaji’s public spaces. Reflecting on her journey, she expresses gratitude for those who have supported her, especially Fr. Sheldon and Fr. Joel, who gave her the opportunity to paint her first mural at Don Bosco Panaji, in 2018.

But running a business as an artist requires wearing multiple hats—being both the creator and the entrepreneur. “Some days, it feels like I’m switching between two different personas—the artist, who values creativity and expression, and the business owner, who focuses on marketing and sales,” she explains. Finding a balance between these roles has been a learning experience. While she remains committed to her artistic vision, she understands the importance of aligning her work with market demands. “There are times when I worry that commercialising my work might dilute its essence. But I’ve learned to trust my instincts and find ways to connect my creative goals with what the people look for,” she adds. For instance, while she creates expressive, personal pieces, she also adapts her style to cater to client requests, ensuring a balance between authenticity and commercial appeal.

Even so, she admits that standing out in a crowded market is tough, and managing irregular income can be stressful. “Self-promotion takes time and effort, but it’s essential,” she says, adding that she focuses on continuously evolving—experimenting with new techniques, networking with fellow artists, and staying adaptable to market trends.

Pricing her artworks has also been a significant challenge. “Initially, I researched similar artists and factored in materials, time, and experience. Over time, I adjusted my pricing to reflect my growing expertise and the value I bring to my clients,” she explains.

For Cunha, building a strong community has been instrumental in her journey. “It’s not just about selling art; it’s about creating relationships, sharing stories, and making a difference,” she says. “The support I receive from my community means everything to me. Their encouragement keeps me going.”

Currently, Cunha is focusing on live wedding portraits—a service that brings a personalised touch to wedding celebrations. She is also exploring larger mural projects, collaborating with businesses and organisations to create immersive public art.

Working with off-beat travel experience companies in the city, Cunha also helped curate ‘art saunter’ experiences for locals and tourists alike, who can engage with the history of the place through art. Combining her knowledge in history with her passion for art, she has worked remotely as an art explorer for digital galleries as well, providing concise summaries for Indian paintings, textiles and architecture on their social networking sites. Additionally, she is working on partnerships with interior designers and architects to integrate her art into residential and commercial spaces.

Looking ahead, Cunha plans on opening her own studio and gallery space—a hub where she can create, exhibit, and teach.

In fact, she hopes to launch online and offline workshops to share her skills with aspiring artists. “Workshops are a great way to connect with people who want to explore art. Teaching what I’ve learned over the years feels like the natural next step,” she says.

She also hopes to participate in solo and group exhibitions, expanding her reach in the contemporary art world. “For me, it’s not just about creating art; it’s about sparking conversations and making an impact.”