Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rickale West. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Rickale thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Honestly I believe all of my work is meaningful in its own way. If i had to say of all my projects, one of the most meaningful has been my piece titled “I’m ok” which features a silhouette of a face speaking the words “I’m Ok” however inside the silhouette are words that describe things that people deal with internally in everyday life such as “anxiety”, “doubt”, “fear”, “unworthy”, and “black girls cant afford a break” At the time I created the piece I had no idea how meaningful it would be however to witness the impact that such a personal piece has had on so many has been a very fulfilling experiences.
“I’m Ok” was inspired by not only my own journey but also, my mother. She has always allowed me as an emotional person to be just that but she has always instilled strength in me. No matter how many times she has had to pivot in life I have never seen my mother give up. I spent my childhood watching her take on the task of raising three children as a single mother all while making sure we lacked nothing. She was epitome of a black girl who couldn’t afford a break because if she had given up I would not be who I am today. No matter how bizarre things may have gotten she would always insist on being “OK” because had to keep going for her children.
“I’m ok” It is a dedication to everyone who has had to bear the burdens and twists and turns of life with a straight face. It is my most exhibited piece to date.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I have always been a creative from music to writing. Hands on crafting and creating has sort of always been in my wheelhouse which included projects during my time in early childhood education, co planning several events and book-fairs. We usually went full throttle and show stopping with an idea. So creating started way back for me. My own personal journey as an artist began in 2018 while redecorating my home. That was my first time putting brush to canvas with the intention to create a home decor piece. That was the first taste I needed and it lit a flame that has since turned into a full on blaze of passion. I now offer one of a kind intention based artworks, print reproductions of select open edition works, and functional art merchandise where I have open edition designs printed on functional products. I also offer custom and commission pieces.
Much of my work fits the “traditional” home decor aesthetic however, it is almost all intentional and has a meaning. In the most abstract or minimalistic way, my work tells a story or is an illustration of an experience or something that has moved me. All the experiences don’t necessarily have to be my own but if I am moved by it, I am compelled to create a piece that I feel illustrates it and at the same time may have the capacity to reach out and impact someone.
One of the proudest most heartwarming moments that I have experienced as it pertains to the impact of my work, was with a piece I created called “Crossroads” that piece was completed out of the absolute pain and sadness I felt when my father passed. The piece was not for sale however, while showing it I told a now collector the story behind the piece and he INSISTED on having it. Fast forward a year later I ran into that same collector at an event and he embraced me like we were distant family and expressed to me that he felt everything I put in that piece and what it had come to mean for his life and a situation he had gone through. Although it was not the loss of a loved one he lost something and we felt a connection between his loss and mine through that piece. That moment meant the world to me because It confirmed that with one creation at a time we can inspire and impact someone.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding things about being an artist for me is having an avenue for expressing thoughts, emotions, being able to completely just let go and also connecting with people through my work. Before my pursuit of art healing began, sometimes when faced with certain situations I either completely miscommunicated or would shut down for lack of knowing how to express what I was feeling. Now since embarking on this journey I have discovered my ability to communicate and heal through creating.
As varied as my work is, one thing that is standard throughout, is some type of movement or texture. I have come to realize, the movement is the rhythm of the expression I am putting into the work and the texture is something that can be felt, which I feel like we all need sometimes. No matter what I am illustrating or expressing, there is usually someone who resonates with the work. So to think that I am just talking on a canvas, and someone is connecting with that and possibly finding their own voice or healing in that, is a major reward to me.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have a very interesting story of resilience about my very first art show. Obviously I am a Houston based artist. When I finally decided to start exhibiting, I always knew I wanted to exhibit in spaces outside of Houston. So for my very first time exhibiting, reaching for the stars I signed up for the an art show in Atlanta Ga. So I packed up my paintings, and decided I was going to drive to Atlanta. I often share the fact that my first art show was all the way in Atlanta. What I don’t usually mention is that literally half way there my car stopped.
All I thought was “oh no I can’t miss my first art show”. Stranded in the middle of nowhere Mississippi and slightly freaked out, I searched for about half an hour until I found a mobile mechanic to come find out what was going on. He got my car started so I could drive as far an auto parts store and he fixed my car in the parking lot of that store.
Even though he got my car running I was still nervous that something else could happen and I was so far away from home. However, I DID NOT turn around! I continued on to Atlanta and made it in time for the art show. I wonder sometimes what if I had just turned around and went home after that mishap but, I’m always grateful that I kept going because that was me pushing the start button on my art career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.roxywuzhereart.com
- Instagram: @roxywuzhereart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/roxywuzhereart
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/rickalewest