Art, Solar Power, and Cultural Exchange: Urban Artist Talk with Barrett Raftery
In a captivating episode of Urban Artist Talk, host Andre Jamora, aka Natty Rebel, sits down with Barrett Raftery to discuss a unique fusion of art, solar energy, and global community building. What emerges is an inspiring narrative of two friends combining their passions to drive change across continents.
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Barrett's Journey into Solar
Barrett's story began with a love for environmentalism, which led him to pivot from nutrition to solar energy. A pivotal connection with a Kenyan friend, Wilson Nyoma, ignited his mission to bring sustainable energy solutions to Kenya starting in 2008.
For Barrett, this wasn't just a career shift—it was a meaningful way to address environmental and social challenges on a global scale.
Build Connections Through Art and Action
The episode reveals how Barrett and Natty's paths crossed in Ethiopia in 2014, bonding over shared values, humor, and a vision for impactful work. Their collaboration has since spanned projects like Standing Rock, where they integrated solar energy and community murals, blending functionality with artistic expression.
"Standing Rock was transformative," Barrett shared.
"We combined solar engineering with art to represent the community’s values—creating something that spoke louder than we could alone."
Solar Trek Meets Artistic Empowerment
The upcoming Solar Trek in Kenya represents a first-of-its-kind initiative, combining technical solar installations with artistic workshops. The mission?
To provide underserved artists from the U.S. with the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange while contributing to a community's energy needs.
Participants will experience life in a rural Kenyan village, gaining perspective on how access to electricity transforms lives. Beyond technical skills, this trek offers an immersion into the cultural and emotional wealth of a region often misunderstood. As Barrett notes,
"It’s about realizing how we can help others in substantial ways—and how that can reshape our view of community back home."
How to empower Experiences and Expanding Horizons
The episode also dives into how this program challenges participants to embrace discomfort, both physically and mentally.
Limited conveniences and shared experiences create an environment of learning and growth, fostering deeper connections and a broader understanding of global inequality.
Barrett underscores the unique value of introducing diverse perspectives into solar energy work:
“Working with artists who bring different skills and experiences broadens the impact of these projects. It’s not just about solar or art—it’s about creating something bigger.”