The Phoenix: An interview with writer and photographer, Xander Raymond ~ CULTURED ARTISTS

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Self Portrait © Xander Raymond

The Life and Times of creative, Xander Raymond, could sound like that of a thrilling Stephen King novel with its captivating character, theme, and plot, but Xander Raymond’s life is no novel. His is a true story of darkness, love, brilliance, creativity, survival and triumph—all driven by pure undulating passion, and a connection to a power higher than himself.

Raymond was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was raised there by his grandmother. As an avid reader, Raymond developed a love for words early on. He remembers traveling to the library on the bus, and being disappointed when his grandmother set limits on how many books he could bring home because of the distance. It wasn’t just books that captivated him; some of his early creative influences came from the music that his grandmother played for him like Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, but he remembers even more vividly, his introduction to artists like Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra by his teachers during his young years.

He developed a definitive ear for fine music like opera, and classical, in addition to urban music like rap and rhythm and blues. Raymond learned early on to appreciate the lyrical content, and the substantive message in the music. It was those messages that drew him into writing, and by his teenage years he was writing his own musical lyrics. Raymond was developing a love for fine literature and its language, through books and through music, however, he was also dealing with profound life issues that would leave him spiraling out of control.

Xander Raymond at work
(Shooting Siamese) © 2009

Paris | Raymond looking through Helmut Newton's "Sumo"
(photo by j. stone)

While living in Cincinnati, Raymond lived in one of the most degraded areas of the city, where gangs, violence and drug activity were a part of everyday life. The bleak landscape filled with broken bottles, and remnants of shattered lives deeply impacted him, and by the time he moved to Columbus, Ohio (in his teenage years) he had grown accustomed to the rough lifestyle. Life in Columbus was not easier, and according to Raymond, the environment actually went from "bad to worse." It was the late 80’s and early 90’s and crack had just begun to permeate the urban neighborhoods. Drug dealers were marking their territories on every corner, and their flashy lifestyle began to intrigue Raymond. It wasn’t long before he himself became enveloped. “You can’t be angry at the wolf when it bites a steak that’s rubbed on its face,” he says of the temptation to partake in a lifestyle that seems to be the heartbeat of many of the inner cities in America.

Bornday Bonding © (2011)

Yes, Please © (2010)

He was young, and wanted what he saw, so he became deeply involved in the drug lifestyle. "I was a drug addict myself," he candidly states, "I was addicted to the money." After several years of living the life, Raymond had inevitably developed enemies. According to Raymond, there weren’t many options for getting out and many who lived that lifestyle often ended up dead, or in jail—so one day when gunshots rang out like, “a fireworks celebration”, he thought that his life was going to end.

Raymond says he remembers feeling the burn of the first gunshot to his leg. The next shot would sever his spine, and he instantly felt himself drop to the ground. He knew in that very moment that he was paralyzed because he never felt the last two shots, and he could no longer move. He lay there on the concrete contemplating whether the shooters were coming to "finish the job," but they never did.

Serenity: God’s Promise©

Family members rushed to Raymond’s side, and doctors gave his mother a bleak outlook, telling her that he would not make it through the night. He survived, and spent two months in the hospital—the first month dealing with the tremendous physical pain from being shot, and the second month learning how to function in the world as a paraplegic.

Even after suffering a near death experience and tremendous emotional and physical pain, Raymond didn’t leave the lifestyle. Just two years later he was shot again, adding two more gunshots wounds to his already ravaged body. Understandably so, he had grown disillusioned and angry at the world and all who came around him, because he had not yet come to terms with the reality of his situation. The tragedy of his circumstance ate at him daily and he sunk into a depression that he himself wasn’t even aware of. He surrounded himself in darkness, decorating his home with dark curtains, couches, and rugs, and he purchased hearses’ to use them as vehicles. Raymond says that even the pets that he had during that time were “dark, and deadly”. The people around him always knew him to be an eclectic soul so the changes didn’t strike them as too odd, but Raymond, who had ostensibly grown comfortable with death and morbidity, was unwittingly dying within.

It seems that one day (many years later) he had an epiphany, because he awoke to the decision that he was going to just stop—stop dealing, and stop living a negative life. One day he just decided that he wanted and needed it all to end. He simply felt that it was time to change, and he wanted the light back in his life. He had gone through more than most people could bear, and it was time for a new beginning. He had always had the support of family and friends, and they continued to encourage him during his transition. His darkness became light, and though he wrote during his dark times, he began to focus on it even more so. He lightened up his home, and filled his life with the love of family and friends. It was then that he decided that he would go back to school to learn more about the technical aspects of writing. School served him well, and Raymond graduated at the top of his class. As a prolific writer, Raymond says that he feels, “channeled through,” because often times he writes in his sleep. He sometimes awakens to find a notebook on his lap, and new stories penned.

Asylum: Shedding Inhibitions
In The Midst Of Chaos © (2009)

Breaking The Plaster © (2009)

It was his love for writing that drew him into photography. Although he approached photography initially from an experimental point of view, he knew that the medium was a powerful one. As a writer, photography was secondary to him, however he appreciated its story telling capabilities, and wanted to learn how to, “intertwine the philosophies of the two.” The quote, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” resonates with him, because his goal as a photographer is to tell a story, with what he calls, “80,000 words.” He is essentially attempting to create narratives with the photographs, bringing to life an instantaneous interpretation of his writings.

West Dean Twilight © (2010)

Raymond has developed true love for the medium, and has travelled to several countries in Europe to photograph. He has also had an opportunity to meet and photograph some remarkable celebrities, including Cornel West, and his favorite Emcee, Rakim, whom he met in London. He photographs landscapes, architecture and people and he also works with professional models—while on occasion modeling himself.

Model: Xander Raymond © Anna Inez 2009

Xander Raymond and model Attila ©Anna Inez 2009

Raymond says of travelling around Europe, “It’s surreal!” He says that he could have never been able to fathom traveling those distances as a child coming from the “projects, poverty and struggle.” He says that he is most intrigued by the fascinating architecture, and stained glass in many of the church windows, in addition to the castles in Britain, France and Germany.

Stained: Prayer Space © (2010)

Nave: ´Eglise Saint-Merri © (2011)

For Raymond, the act of photographing doesn’t always come easily, but like many of the challenges he’s faced in his life, he’s learned to work through it. He sometimes deals with excruciating pain while shooting, but pain does not inhibit him—he continues to push through because he feels that his survival was for a greater purpose—one bigger than he, and he's on a constant journey to pursue that purpose.

On The Cross (2010)

Xander Raymond is man of will, driven by a greater power. He feels a powerful connection to God, and feels that his circumstance was God’s way of ‘sitting him’ down. Though he would choose not to be paralyzed, if he had a choice, he feels that the circumstances that led to his paralysis needed to happen so that he could be the person that he is today. He believes that his voice, and power to impact the lives of others, is greater now than it would have been at any other point in his life. He wants the youth to be aware of the decisions that they make. Raymond believes that many negative stereotypes are glorified, and youth want to emulate the negative without recognizing the consequences of their choices.

These days Xander Raymond is working on his novel, and continuing to photograph his narratives. He believes that God moves within him, and feels guided in his writing and his photography. Raymond says that he’s following an "unseen path, one that will lead him to where he needs to be."

He shares some words or encouragement given to him by author Walter Mosley, and Dr. Cornel West:

“Write everyday...”

-Walter Mosley

“Keep in mind the black authors that came before you, and build on their legacy.”

-Dr. Cornel West

These words resonated with him, and he hopes that they resonate with young creatives who are pursuing their passions.

All things are possible through strength, will, passion, and faith, and Xander Raymond’s life is a living example. He came through darkness, and found his own magnificent light, and we thank him for sharing that light with the world.

“Don't stop. If I can do it on wheels you can do it on feet. Whatever the masses tell you, take that put it in your passion gas tank and use it for fuel.”

To find out more about Xander Raymond, connect with him on Facebook. Hear his story for yourself by watching his interview in London with Feline Territory TV.