Fascinated by the medium and its possibilities, Rayer-Smith found himself propelled into a completely different career change from entrepreneur to a full-time artist. After completing a degree in visual arts, he has since encountered a dramatic trajectory into the art world: attracting the attention of prominent collectors, winning several awards, and being featured in various international art publications.
Seven years on Rayer-Smith has his own gallery in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter open by appointment and a large painting studio in a converted mill in Cheshire. Rayer-Smith’s paintings have a visceral yet emotional quality. He is currently represented by galleries in London, Melbourne, Paris, Lille, Lyon, Shanghai, Dallas, LA and Florida.
"I am not interested in painting something that already exists. My pressing urge is to use paint to explore new forms which will ultimately carry emotional weight. I try not to recreate an image. Instead, I may use it as a reference point by which to move from one painting to the next." Ian Rayer Smith
