Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Rickards.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My creative journey began in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, where everyday life was a constant source of inspiration. From an early age, the tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultures shaped my color palette. During elementary school, when art was introduced to me outside of the home, I first discovered my passion for creating.
Raised by my father and Trinidadian grandmother, the Trini flavor became integral to me, connecting me deeply to my cultural roots. A pivotal moment that set my fate was receiving a ribbon for my artwork in an art gallery dedicated to Miami-Dade schools. At such a young age, this professional recognition changed my perspective, transforming my creative endeavors from something I did for fun into a desire to pursue more with my artistic talent. Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity to reside in different regions, including New York and South Carolina, which exposed me to diverse East Coast influences. These experiences, combined with personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, financial instability, and overcoming sexual abuse, have greatly influenced my artwork and the themes I explore.
Moving to Columbia, South Carolina, allowed me to reconnect with my Jamaican heritage through my father’s paternal family. The Jamaican side of my lineage currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina. This immersion in my Jamaican roots provided a fresh perspective on my identity and had a transformative impact on my artistic journey. It deepened my understanding of myself, allowing me to explore and express my art with newfound authenticity. I experimented with various art mediums in high school, allowing my free-spirited nature to guide me. However, I often struggled in structured art courses because I felt the creative process was limited. Creating art is a meditative experience, and ideas often come to me through song lyrics, films, and other art forms. I’ve discovered that inspiration strikes when I least expect it.
In college, I pursued theater and discovered a newfound passion for lighting design at the College of Charleston. After graduation, I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to growing my art career. It all began with creating an Instagram account and consistently sharing my artwork. I found immense joy in using digital tools like Procreate, which allowed me to bring my ideas to life quickly and efficiently.
As I continued on this path, I started experimenting with videos and even ventured into selling my artwork and products. Selling my art prints to others has become a deeply fulfilling endeavor, and in just a few months, I transformed into a businesswoman. You can now find me at the Soda City Market every Saturday, sharing my art and connecting with a vibrant community of art lovers.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I encountered challenges related to inspiration and confidence during my journey. The fear of taking risks without certainty about the future or the possibility of recouping my investment was daunting. However, no risks equal no rewards, so I embarked on my research and relied on my instincts to make informed decisions for my business, ultimately leading to my success. On the other hand, finding inspiration took a lot of work for me. It ebbed and flowed intermittently. When I lost my inspiration, I discovered that traveling experiences were key to reigniting my creative spark. In particular, my artistic style emerged from a trip to my maternal homeland, the Bahamas. Despite not being raised by my mother or having much knowledge of my Bahamian heritage, I felt an instant connection. I encountered a massive mural during that trip that completely transformed my art style.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my most recent collection of artwork entitled “The Illusory World of Hidden Realities,” I aim to explore the interplay between fluid shapes, surrealism, and hidden faces. Inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat, I employ various techniques and mediums to create a series of pieces that convey an air of mystery and intrigue. This collection’s heart is the concept of deception, where things are not always as they seem. Using fluid shapes and surrealist elements, I invite the viewer to look beyond the surface and uncover hidden meanings and identities. Each piece is a complex web of visual cues and hidden faces, challenging the viewer to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. Art should be more than just a visual experience; it should also evoke emotions, thoughts, and questions. With this collection, I want to create a dialogue with the viewer, where they are encouraged to bring their interpretations and meanings to the work. In essence, this collection celebrates art’s fluidity and the creative process’s limitless possibilities. It is an invitation to enter a world of surrealism, where nothing is quite what it seems, and the only limit is the imagination.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am creating art pieces to host my first solo exhibition in Columbia! Dates will be announced soon on my website and social media 🙂
Pricing:
- 5 x 7 print: $7
- 8.5 x 11 print: $15
- 12 x 17: $30
- Paint By Number Kits: $20
- Stickers: $4 a piece
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.victoriarickards.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriarickards.studio/?__coig_restricted=1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaRickardsStudio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@victoriarickardsstudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wicked.vickie
Image Credits
Sergio Aparicio and myself (Victoria Rickards)
