Artist Interview With Ricki Mountain

Today’s Artist Interview Is With Ricki Mountain From San Francisco, California.

Whopple: How long have you been an artist?
Ricki: 17+ years. I am a self-taught.

Whopple: Tell us about your first attempts to be creative.
Ricki: Back in 1996, I was working as a account manager for one of the largest art publishing firms in the industry. They sold art to Big Box, Designers, OEMS etc.. One of my largest retail accounts approached me for a particular art theme. Since we did not have any images like this at the time. I decided to create it.

I was pretty good and proficient in photo-shop then, and given the simplicity of the subject matter, I went home that night and created the artwork. The series of 4 (bathroom art) was picked up by the buyer, and the rest is history. I have been creating and licensing my artwork since then.

Whopple: Do you make a living with your art?
Ricki: Since this is part time for me, I would say “1/2″ a living, but its worth my time and effort.

Whopple: How many hours a day do you create?
Ricki: At least 2 to 4 hours per day. I am either working on a project, or promoting my work.

Whopple: How did you pick your creative medium?
Ricki: It really depended on the project. In the summer I paint large format work outside to create site -specific original art for hospitality and corporate projects. In the winter months I focus more on digital art & illustration, and I currently maintain a a very large exclusive image bank for commercial work.

Whopple: What are your inspirations?
Ricki: I truly am inspired by other artists and colorful blogs.

Whopple: How do you recharge when your creativity hits the wall?
Ricki: When I need a creative nudge, I Google my favorite artists, and surf the world-wide-web for new trends.

Whopple: What was your first job?
Ricki: Creating commercial art for a major Big Box retailer

Whopple: What are your favorite snacks when you are creating?
Ricki: Well water is my savior, I drink alot of it!. As far as junk food, that just it depends on my mood. When I do partake, it most likely is a Hostess product.

Whopple: What gives you hope in the world?
Ricki: My husband, and 4 children. They are all very supportive.

Whopple: What do you wish you could do?
Ricki: Retire to Costa Rica

Whopple: What are your artistic goals?
Ricki: Well I have to honestly say, I believe I have achieved them. It took me quite a while, but i can now say with confidence that I am recognized by my peers in the art publishing industry, as well as the interior designer industry. I never fooled my self into thinking my artwork would make it into the MOMA. I always knew commercial work was my path, and stuck with that philosophy. I also learned early on to “Thrive on rejection”.

Whopple: What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?
Ricki: I call them happy accidents. This is when I paint or create a piece of artwork that is better than I had imagined it would be. Also knowing the steps that it took for me to create it, were all apart of my self- learning process experience .

To See More Of Ricki Mountain’s Artwork Please Visit The Following:

Ricki Mountain Studios