Artist Statement – Nath of Sculpting with Cactus
I live and create in the heart of the old Wild West, just north of the US-Mexico border in Southern Arizona — a land of thorns, stone, and spirit. With my husband Ron, our dog Jesse, and my Harley, I’ve carved out a life shaped by the resilience and wild beauty of the Sonoran Desert that I call home.
The desert doesn’t just survive — it thrives through adversity. So do I. I live with multiple autoimmune diseases, spinal compression, and chronic pain that reshapes every day. But pain has a way of stripping life down to its essentials. What remains is purpose. What remains is inspired creation.
I’ve spent over a decade developing a unique method to honor the raw elegance of ethically sourced desert cactus and fossil wood. My work is the organic evolution of a new art form, rooted in nature, shaped by resilience over pain, and ignited by the untamed spirit of the desert. It begins as a conversation with nature, as I walk through the wilds of the desert. Each piece I sculpt is hand-shaped, reimagining the cactus fibers and ancient wood into luminous, lasting forms. A metamorphosis occurs, a creation that has never existed before slowly emerges, grown through the wild alchemy of nature and imagination.
These are not just sculptures — they are vessels that tell the story of the beauty of endurance through hardship. Each one speaks of its transformation — of breaking, healing, and blooming again. I hope my art inspires a visceral connection: to the land, to resilience, and to the courage it takes to rebuild something beautiful from what was once broken. We too can pick up the often-shattered pieces of our lives and build anew. We begin when we are willing to open our mind, to try new things, even when we could fail. This is the soul of the Sonoran Desert. This is my soul as well. These are the stories the desert still whispers. These are the stories I sculpt.
Nath Raye - An Artist's Perspective
Desert Radiance in Cactus and Stone
It may take years, but each discovery reveals its inherent essence and form, waiting to be brought to life. Nath draws inspiration from the beauty etched and embedded within each cactus piece’s strong, enduring fibers, which embody resilience and strength. Once the design takes shape in her mind, the cactus is meticulously hand-formed, sculpted, and painted. The result is a harmonious blend of hard and soft cactus fibers, united with a silky, luminous sheen. Each sculpture is finished with multiple layers of UV-protective clear coat and mounted on a carefully chosen base that enhances its unique structure.
While photos can offer a glimpse, this website endeavors to truly capture the allure of Nath's mesmerizing art. It showcases her sculptures in various lighting and settings to highlight their intricate beauty. When you bring a Nath Raye sculpture into your home, its rich meaning, jewel-like colors, and luminous glow will captivate you, evolving and transforming with the changing light.
* Nath only uses dead cactus carcasses found only in legally accessible areas of the desert, and never, ever tears live cactus from the ground.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Florida State University Doctoral Studies at Askew School of Public Administration and Policy- Coursework: Public Policy Theory, Public Administration, Organizational Behavior, Institutions and Society, Logic and Ethics, Analytical Techniques- Research Areas: Responsive Regimes and Their Institutions, Coalitions, Political Protests, Civil Liberties, Cyber and Human Security
Florida State University Graduate Certificate: Emergency Management and Homeland Security- Coursework: Emergency Management, Emergency Management Planning and Policy, Disaster Recovery and Mitigation, International Comparative Disaster Management, Terrorism
University of New Mexico Doctoral Studies in Political Science- Coursework: Social and Political Movements, American Politics Research Areas: Legislative Bodies, Public Interest, Economic Policy, Political Protests
New Mexico State University Master of Arts in Government; Minor in Intelligence and Securities- Thesis: Understanding Swarms: Weak Ties and the Digital Platform in Political Protests, Chair Dr. Nancy Baker- Graduate Coursework: Political Theory, American Politics, Cyber-politics, Global Protests, Regime Cybersecurity, Comparative Politics, Mexican American Politics and Issues of Social Justice, US-Mexican Border Policy, Nationalism, Qualitative Research Methods
Oregon State University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Major Marketing, Minor Social Sciences- Certificate in Women Studies
Experience
Tubac Center of the Arts, 2023. Facilitator, ProPath for ArtistsMentor, Emergency Management and Homeland
Florida State University, Retired December 2024. Mentor, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Certificate Program, Disaster Planning, Foundations of Emergency Management, online
New Mexico State University , retired. Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Political Science
- Courses: American Politics, Political Science (classroom and online), International Politics - Guest Lecturer, American Presidency, Citizen & the State, Political & Social Movements- Graduate Assistant Instructor, Dept. of Government, Political Science- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Government, Regents Professor Dr. Nancy Baker
Florida State University Guest Lecturer, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Graduate Theoretical Perspectives Public Policy
Harmening Financial Partner, Certified Public Accountant and Financial Services firm- Daily operations, strategic planner, risk and contract negotiator- Executed strategic plans, marketing, joint ventures and client liaisons - Analyzed business trends, formulated strategic marketing, and business plan
Oregon University System Facilities Management Analyst, Chancellors Office- Capital Construction Business officer, - Performed fiduciary due diligence- Allocated legislative limitation and funds, monitored contracts- Executed construction budget, monitored budget timelines / processes.- Conducted policy analysis, formulated and presented draft legislative policy
Publications & Credentials
Publications & Presentations
Publication: SWARMS: Global Political Protests and Regime Response, LAP Lambert Academic | Publications, Swarms book - https://www.amazon.ca/Swarms-Global-Political-Protests-Response/dp/3659421278
- Panel Chair: Understanding and Responding to Crisis, Resistance and Extremism, Academic Council on the United Nations System, Global Governance Conference, Kadir Has Universitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
- Panel Participant: Swarms: Global Political Protests and Regime Response, International Human Rights Conference, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Panel Participant: Understanding Swarms: Weak Ties and the Digital Platform in Political Protest, Southwest Social Sciences Association Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Presentation: The Swarm Effect in Political Protest, Graduate Research Symposium at New Mexico State University
- Film Credit: The Next Megaquake, BBC Horizon Science & Nature Program,
Credentials
- Graduate Certificate: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program, Florida State University
- Professional Development Certificate: FEMA, Emergency Management Institute, Department of Homeland Security
- Certified Insurance Counselor: The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors
- Registered Representative: Securities License 6 and 63, Mutual Fund and Annuities Representative, FIRA
- Property and Casualty, Life and Variable Life Insurance licenses: Oregon, Washington, Missouri and Arizona
- Certified Risk Manager coursework: National Alliance Insurance Education and Research