We were lucky to catch up with Rita Vicari recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rita, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I never really imagined being an artist before I became one. I couldn’t picture what it’s like to have no boss, no schedule, no rules – just you and your ideas. The hardest part is that one thing is never enough. You reach a milestone, and the next morning you’re already asking, “What’s next?”
Being a creative means constantly shifting between freedom and discipline – between painting and doing all the admin work that keeps the dream alive. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, to clock out and stop thinking about work. But at this point, I can’t imagine that life anymore.
What I’ve learned is that success depends on showing up for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m not naturally a hustler, and that part can be draining – but you can learn anything: how to sell, organize, and meet your own deadlines. The biggest misconception is that being an artist is glamorous. It’s not—it’s hard, uncertain, and beautiful in its own messy way. The magic happens when you finally manage to marry the two sides: the dreamer and the doer. That’s when it starts to feel like freedom.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a mixed media artist and mentor whose work celebrates transformation, emotion, and the strength of the human spirit. I create colorful, layered paintings of women, animals, and nature – bridging the line between reality and imagination. My art is a reflection of life’s rhythm, where beauty, vulnerability, and power coexist.

I discovered painting while living abroad in South Korea – it began as a way to express myself in a new culture and soon became something much deeper. After moving to the United States, I decided to dedicate myself fully to art. Since then, I’ve exhibited across the country, created collections that tell stories of growth and resilience, and mentored emerging artists through the Milan Art Institute.

My style blends expressive color with minimal, white backgrounds – an intentional contrast that gives each subject space to breathe and invites viewers to step into their own reflection. The white space, to me, symbolizes courage – putting yourself in the spotlight and becoming the protagonist of your own story. Each painting is inspired by something personal, yet I always aim to tell a universal story – one that resonates with others and reminds us of our shared humanity.

I’m incredibly grateful for the collectors and supporters who connect with my work so deeply. Many tell me that my paintings bring both serenity and inspiration to their homes – and that’s the most rewarding part. My brand is about more than just art – it’s about living fully, embracing transformation, and celebrating color in all its emotional depth.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by two main missions.

First, I want to bring more hopeful, empowering, and beautiful art into the world. There’s already enough darkness out there – I want my paintings to feel like light. I believe art can be prophetic, that what we choose to surround ourselves with can shape our future. When people collect my work, I want them to look at it every day and feel encouraged, reminded of who they want to become, or what they’re capable of. I see my paintings as visual affirmations – something that speaks strength, beauty, and possibility into their space.

The second part of my mission is to help emerging artists find the courage to follow their own creative paths. When I was starting out, I felt completely in the dark. I didn’t know where to turn for answers, and it often felt lonely. Over the years, I’ve learned so much – through mistakes, community, and persistence – and now I feel a deep responsibility to share that knowledge. Mentoring others and watching them grow into their own voice is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.

Ultimately, both of these missions come from the same place: I want to leave the world a little brighter and help others believe that they can, too.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I wouldn’t say there’s just one story that defines my resilience – it’s really been built over time. In the beginning, the hardest part was rejection. Those moments felt so painful – submitting to shows and getting a “no,” hearing negative comments, or worse, no feedback at all. It made me shrink at times, doubt myself, and question if I was really meant for this path.

But resilience, I learned, is a muscle. Over time, you start to take those “no’s” less personally. I made it a rule for myself: for every rejection, I would take an action or 2 toward my goals. Didn’t get accepted into a show? Apply for two more. Didn’t sell anything at an event? Host an online one. Not out of frustration, but out of faith – and almost like a game of rolling the dice again.

I’ve also learned to appreciate when people don’t like my work. It used to hurt, but now I see it as a sign that my art stands for something. When people have strong opinions – good or bad – it means you’re creating something real, something that moves them. Not everyone will like your art, and that’s okay. As long as they feel something, you’re doing your job right.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ri-inc.gallery
• Instagram: @ri.inc