Meet local director, photographer and activist Wayne Rainey, who is a Phoenix native and a third generation Phoenician that has been creating breathtaking photography and videos for over 25 years.
His work is diverse but tends to focus on Environmental Portrait, Fine Art, and Lifestyle Photography. Rainey has traveled the world and his experiences have greatly impacted and shaped his artwork, giving him an incredible perspective and destinctive voice that is apparent throughout his work. Rainey has such an incredible understanding and appreciation for observing people and places, which he brilliantly translates into purely stunning imagery. Recently his video and photography work were spotlighted in a major campaign for the Arizona Department of Tourism series titled, “Kick Off Your Shoes” that went viral appearing on Mashable, AdWeek, and USA Today. Rainey's photography and videography work for this campaign are gorgeous and truely captured the essense and beauty of the valley the sun.
Rainey artwork includes filmmaking, commercial photography, black + white, color while working in large, medium, and small format photography utilizing traditional, experimental and digital cameras. His work features a variety of subjects specializing in commercial photography including fields such as food, lifestyles, resort, and major production advertising. Rainey has exhibited his artwork at several major galleries throughout the nation, as well as having his artwork featured in numerous publications both online and print in ArtNews, Communication Arts, Art in America, and Photo District News.
Rainey is considered a major component in the development of downtown Phoenix and its arts scene through his work on Roosevelt Row with Holga’s and the monOrchid being cited in both the LA and NY Times. His commercial work has been recognized throughout the world with numerous awards and accolades including Addy Awards, an Award of Excellence from CA, and recent accolades in PDN and the Alternative Pick. Currently he is exhibiting his new body of work being exhibited at the prominent advertising agency Off Madison Ave www.offmadisonave in Phoenix located at 5555 E. Van Buren Street. This is a must see exhibition and rare opportunity to experience Rainey's work first hand.
Rainey was recently commissioned to create and direct a large feature art/film piece for the newly constructed Marina Heights State Farm Insurance complex located in Tempe along the shore of Tempe Town Lake. Rainey says, "creating and directing this massive video installation which continuously loops is showcased in the main lobby and is an incredible opportunity to have my work showcased in such an amazing facility on State Farm Insurance's two million square foot complex", which is now open open to the public. Rainey will be sharing this video installation on his website within the next 30 days so stay tuned.
Rainey has been extremely active in Phoenix throughout his life, working tirelessly to create a vibrant living environment and stable art community greatly impacting what is the renowned Roosevelt Row Arts District. He has implemented numerous projects to revitalize the area, most recently with his multi-disciplinary creative consortium, realized in the monOrchid where located at 214 E. Roosevelt Street in downtown Phoenix where you will often fine him working away in his studio at the monOrchid. The monOrchid houses multiple businesses including a coffee house, two art galleries, photography studios and a premiere event venue in downtown Phoenix. The monOrchid a destination point twice a month during First Fridays and Third Fridays, where we feature monthly curated art exhibitions showcasing local artists and a local artisan market that draws enormous crowds!
Rainey is ever busy working on various photography and videography projects and he recently ventured into the world of acting with a small supporting role in the soon to be released film Durant’s Never Closes directed by Travis Mills (watch a clip of the film). Do you still want to learn more about incredible artist and activist Wayne Rainey, then visit him online at raineystudios.com and follow him at twitter at @raineystudios. *All artwork images courtesy and copyright of the artist Wayne Rainey and Off Madison Ave gallery images courtesy of Christopher Oshana.
