We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ricky Dean Wyrick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ricky Dean below.
Ricky Dean, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most meaningful project is something I’m still working on. A couple of years ago I reached that point as an artist where I stopped asking myself if I could reach a certain level of success, and started asking what I truly wanted to accomplish as a successful artist. What was the story I wanted to tell with my work? I needed to discover what I was really passionate about. Although I loved painting portraits, peaceful landscapes and colorful abstracts, my real passion was storytelling. It was my love for stories that would push me outside of my comfort zone and lead me to pursue something larger than simply painting and photography. Sparked by a radical idea, I started writing a novel. It is the first in a series that follows the adventures of four childhood friends who fight on opposite sides of the Civil War. The concept comes full circle as characters from my books become imagery in my art. At first, they are seen as primary figures in compositions on canvas, but eventually I plan to place them as secondary elements in a much larger composition. They will eventually be hidden within the art only to be discovered by fans that are aware of the connections to my writings. But the real reason that my “Broken World Adventure” is so meaningful, is that the story is finally taking my patrons to a place where I have something to say. The epic story discusses betrayal, courage, trust and loyalty while touching on hidden elements of my faith in God. It’s my faith that ignites my passion.
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
My journey as an artist started in photography. I explored portraits, real estate and eventually moved into landscapes and more artistic imagery. With a background in technology, film and drawing I began exploring more unusual forms of art and went full circle into the traditional painting and drawing I learned in college. I wasn’t satisfied doing the same old thing everyone else seemed to be doing. I wanted to carve out something that was uniquely mine. I spent several years experimenting with merging art forms and eventually designed a process which manipulated a collection of photos into digital art that when printed on canvas became the foundation for my acrylic paintings. My Hand Painted Digital Art has won several awards across the country. I’m now expanding my work beyond the canvas and have moved to the written page. I’m currently writing my 2nd novel and now weave characters and story elements between my books and paintings. One of the best ways to discover my unique work is by checking out my first novel, Bag of Lies, available on Amazon, or downloading my free prologue novelette: Smoke, Fire and Butterflies. My novelette is available as a free download on my website. rickydeanwyrick.com
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to touch someone’s life in a unique and special way. There is something magical about the emotional connection that can happen when someone connects with a work of art. Everyone brings something different to the table when they view my work or read my books. When I get the rare opportunity to see how my work has made a connection with someone, there is nothing else like it. I was showing my paintings at an art show a few years back when a complete stranger stopped to admire one of my compositions. The painting depicted a couple walking along a sea shore. For several minutes this lady gazed into my painting without saying a word. I walked up next to her, thinking I might share a few details about the work, when I noticed she was crying. I wasn’t sure what to say. “It’s one of my favorites.” I finally said. “It reminds me of my husband.” She wiped away her tears. “He passed away two years ago.” To realize that something that I had spent hours pouring myself into and meticulously creating could touch someone in such a deep way; the rewards go way beyond any form of monetary gain.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my humble opinion, the best way society can support artist is to invest the time to appreciate the art. Of course, the financial support for artist and creatives make a thriving creative ecosystem possible. But what really makes a difference is the inspiration and connection we make as human beings to the art and the artist themselves. The world is filled with critics spilling bitter words, but a simple, genuine compliment can make a world of difference for a struggling artist. An image, a song, a book, or even a poem can touch us in ways we can’t explain. Don’t ever waste the opportunity to let an artist know that you appreciate what they do, bringing joy, hope and creativity into our daily thoughts and conversations, and most importantly, making us think beyond the tiny world we live in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rikwyrick.wixsite.com/rickydeanwyrick
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickysbrokenworld
- Other: Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735223603