By Keith Matter/The Artisan Magazine
Richard is a Minsterpiece; a piece of work, gregarious, open, honest about himself and his art. Richard creates out of a desire to contribute, and, because it is a utility for him; he creates to search his soul. He has no formal art training, no mentors, no teachers. The moniker “artist” began when the newly divorced and single man was searching for a new partner in life, as somewhat of a ruse but also as a new life, a new beginning. Creating.
Painting and art are salves that help heal his old wounds. In 2012, after a divorce, his art was shown in restaurants, salons, boutiques, etc in New York. When they sold he became more and more involved in his art. He then had a solo show at The Scope in SOHO in New York City. He was hooked, and that’s when he started painting in earnest.
He once wrote a letter to Steven Spielberg, who had similar events happen in his life, for advice. He did not get a reply, but the attempt was somewhat conciliatory. His wounds may not ever completely heal but they are either expressed or forgotten when the brush hits the canvas.
Painting and drawing are now his passion, allowing him to express his emotions and to cope with the challenges in his life, a catharsis. He moved to St. Petersburg in 2020 to find his place in the Warehouse Arts District, amongst a thriving arts community.
Richard uses many different mediums, such as enamel, acrylics, and pastels. He believes that working in a single medium is restrictive to his artistic process. Each idea manifests in its’ own individual style. He loves bold color and utilizes the colors of nature in his art. He likes to hide images within images. You may count as many as 50 faces or more within a single abstract piece.
He is prolific. His studio/gallery is overflowing with years of creative introspection. He will produce between 100-150 new pieces within a year. Many of them sell, many remain in the studio. To Richard it almost does not matter if his art sells or not, he has what he needs financially, what gives him great pleasure is just knowing his work is hanging on a wall in someone’s home or at a business. When creating, he feels at peace.