Renata Gray

I was born in Berkeley, CA. and raised in Oakland, California.I attended Oakland Public Schools. My uncle did art projects with me as a child and I was good with math. I took a drafting class and decided that I wanted to study architecture. I applied to U.C. Berkeley and graduated with a Masters Degree in Architecture. Now, I am a retiree from The Port of Oakland. While working at The Port of Oakland, it was suggested that I take some graphic design courses. That opened another door. Now I do freelance work. During my free time, I do ceramics and work with bamboo. I refer to my ceramics as “clay babies” and my bamboo art as “Ancestral/Heritage Poles”. My parents were my inspiration for The
Ancestral Poles. The poles can tell a story or be decorative. I am honored that my ceramics were published in Essence Magazine and San Francisco Business Times to name a few. And some of my work is in the private collection of Susan Taylor and Jill Scott. We all feel something when we view art. It can range from feeling love, peace, racial issues, empowerment... Each piece has been inspired by someone or some event in my life. I try to translate that feeling, that experience into a visual for all to enjoy. My hope is that you feel it. This is my gift to you. From my spirit to yours. www.renatagray.com