Ray Johnson | Artist

he/they | Guitarist

Mar 06, 2025

Based in Brooklyn, NY, but proudly rooted in the mountains of Virginia, Ray Johnson moves through life with art as both a compass and a necessity. They create because they don’t know how to stop—music, performance, and visual art are intrinsic to their being. A non-binary, trans-masculine queer artist, Ray is deeply committed to uplifting queer voices and advocating for art as a space of liberation and healing.

Ray’s work spans multiple disciplines: they are a musician and composer (guitar, piano, ukulele, melodica), a singer-songwriter naturally drawn to folk and instrumental storytelling, and a seasoned theatrical composer with a decade of experience crafting scores across genres—ranging from pop and punk rock to classic musical theatre. Their artistic world extends beyond sound into visual expression, working with pen, watercolor, and digital design.

With a background in ensemble-based theater creation and classical training in acting, clown, and commedia, Ray infuses performance with depth, humor, and transformation. As a neurodivergent and disabled artist, they are passionate about accessibility in care and creativity, using their work to spark meaningful conversations around healing. Their practice also extends to meditation, Reiki, and Qigong—holistic approaches that inform their artistic and personal journey.

Beyond the stage and canvas, Ray is a devoted fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the entire Avatarverse—a testament to their love of rich storytelling and world-building.

Find more of Ray’s work at rayjohnsonartist.com and follow their journey on Instagram: @raymariej.