ILENE RICHARD VISUAL ARTIST

Interview by Harryet Candee Photography of Artist by Edward Acker

“Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of wearing many different hats: jewelry designer, children’s book illustrator, and painter, to name a few. With an irrepressible creative drive and a penchant for broadening my repertoire, I continue exploring exciting new artistry avenues. As a life-long student of creativity, I’m honored to have this opportunity to share some insight into my creative process and the motivations behind my work.”

Harryet Candee: Every time I walk into your art studio, Ilene, I get an immediate burst of energy. Larger-than-life paintings with brilliant color, always something new in the works, and snappy fun conversations that keep us engaged in a creative thinking mode—this is the best way I can describe our visits. You are constantly thinking up new ideas for paintings, and I wonder, what have you experienced in life that has made this a part of your personality?

Ilene Richard: I have always been creative, with an insatiable appetite for new ideas constantly bubbling around in my head. From a young age, I had an uncanny ability to observe my surroundings, escape into my little world and find inspiration from whatever touched me. It gave me fearless creativity each time I began a new project. I was never scared or constrained by convention or opinion- it was a pure injection of natural creativity into every art piece. With each brush stroke, I could feel the thrilling excitement of creating something entirely new, which could only come from within. These moments of creativity have been gratifying and keep me passionate about producing artwork even after all these years.

How do you have ideas for a painting? Do you feel it’s part of your nature to constantly be a creator, illustrator/storyteller? “I gotta keep working,” or “I gotta get this out!” or “I got a great canvas to tackle!”… what goes through your mind? How do you move from one canvas to another?

IR: As a natural storyteller, I’m excited when I have a new idea. Therefore, setting a deadline to work around helps keep me motivated and inspired to create an entire body of work that cohesively encapsulates the story. I love being able to put together collections with all my individual pieces, as it’s like getting to share my personal creative adventures with the world. With this drive for consistency of ideas and deadlines inspiring me, I never run out of ideas!

What else have you done in your life that was similar in importance regarding careers? You have a strong fashion sensibility in your clothing and one that reflects a strong design sense in your art. IR: My strong design sense and fashion sensibility are reflected in my work. Over the years, I have developed individual personalities for all my characters by closely observing what people wear. This was especially important as a children’s book illustrator since character development was essen-

-Ilene

Richard tial to my job. This focus on individual personalities has continued into my paintings, where I’m highly influenced by fashion trends and ensure that each character has a distinct look.

Your focus has been on capturing people’s expressions and personalities in their best light, whether in contemplation, at work, at a party, or in their everyday surroundings. What do you look for that leads you to capture the essence of the people you paint?

IR: Capturing the expressions and personalities of people in their best light is something that I take great joy in; capturing a person in a single second in time can be captivating, and I love capturing noteworthy moments that may otherwise go unnoticed. My approach, however, leans towards capturing quirky depictions of people just having fun- my goal is to showcase the person in a positive light rather than going for any traditional portraiture or posed shots. It brings out so much personality and speaks to who they are.

Your work intertwines between and in combination with fine art and graphic design. Why is it that I see this combination streaming through your work?

IR: It all began at art school, where I used my skill set to intertwine fine art and graphic design. From then on, I have consistently pushed the boundaries of art, combining voluminous elements with flat elements- creating a striking contrast that grabs attention. My artwork is easily identifiable by its bold lines and dynamic color palettes, a combination that makes an impact. Whether fine art or design-related projects, I always strive to make inspiring visuals that have depth and stand out.

You have found your niche with your art making. What great —maybe impossible vision do you see that would bring your art to the highest level of existence?

IR: I am working hard to create something extraordinary to reach the highest level of existence in my work. Pushing myself further and challenging the limits will be vital to seeing what develops. My vision for getting there is simple yet exciting; working hard to perfect my craft and pushing boundaries to capture something extraordinary I could never have imagined. Though unpredictable, I can only hope my ambition will lead me toward greatness and help guide me as I see what develops.

Tell us which of your finished works of art you find the most successful and why?

IR: Capturing moments through paintings has been my passion for many years. Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing a finished piece that evokes emotion. My most successful works of art have been paintings of people I know well-my mother, “Unfinished at 94,” is an accurate depiction of beauty in her senior years, aged 97 today. I am proud to say that this painting of my mother has been accepted into many juried exhibitions over the years. Another painting that is successful in my more graphic style is “The Jazzmen”. This painting is a mixed media on canvas with vibrant color and bold black lines.

Ilene, I must admit, I see a healthy competitive streak in you. From your point of view, in what ways does a competitive nature benefit you as an artist? In many ways, we need skills like this when getting into gallery exhibits and other public platforms.

IR: A competitive streak within the art world can be a beneficial trait. It gives me a small push to try my hardest and create a successful portfolio that will grab the attention of a gallery or exhibition. Creativity thrives when there is a chal- lenge; on the table, healthy competition is alright! I may not always get into every event I enter, but pushing myself to try to get into shows and exhibitions allows me to develop my skills further. Ultimately, a healthy dose of competitiveness within the art community will enable me to propel myself forward.

What have been the most successful ways you have marketed your work? What have you found not to work? And why? I know we have ad a really good response from The Artful Mind ads we began last year.

IR: Yes. Over the years, I have tried advertising in just about any way possible: books, magazines, Facebook, and Instagram. Despite the range of advertising options available, consistency was key. By constantly posting images and content on my Instagram and Facebook accounts, I could get my work seen by potential clients who had not seen my work before. I have also had success in marketing my work in print which would sometimes happen through a show I was in, a group using my work for their marketing, or my own ad in a magazine.

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Is there a common thread in how you have seen people’s reactions to your work? In what instances have they surprised you?

IR: People often look at my work with the same common thread of astonishment-they are usually wowed by the vivid imagery and colors. Multiple people commented on needing to pause for a while after taking in all of my artwork, which is hung up throughout my studio. An added bonus they weren’t expecting is their excitement when they enter the door- I can spot their eyes light up as soon as they look around the room! It’s always heartwarming to see people appreciate and be amazed by what I create. I am grateful.

The idea of the cover for this issue was a brainstorm for you, which I totally supported. With Edward Acker’s photography skills and your painterly sharp eye, you both nailed it. How do you feel about it? Tell us how this idea for the cover originated and took shape?

IR: When you visited my studio, I was taken aback by your style and flair. I loved your outfit! Commented on your shoes at first and then thought what a cool idea to paint your portrait for the cover. You obliged and let me photograph you. I knew in my heart that this would be such a great idea with your portrait and me standing next to it for the cover. I had also noticed that there hadn’t been a female artist on the cover for a long time, and I was determined to make this one really spe- cial. My plan worked without fail-everyone knowing who you are, and now they know me by association. The result? A memorable, playful idea that allowed me to step out from the crowd and make my mark!

Constantly moving forward, I would like to know what is your essential goal as an artist in today’s world?

IR: As an artist, I want to be recognized and appreciated for my work. My goals are twofold: to have my art seen by a larger audience and to show my work in various galleries. I strive to make pieces that turn heads and put vivid images into viewers’ heads so that it stays with them long after they leave the gallery. My artwork is inspired by everyday life, culture, emotions, and events which I capture uniquely. With every piece I create, parts of me live on, even if I’m not there physically to explain it. In essence, this work is a way of expressing myself more fully and having it contribute back to the world.

Looking back on your developmental years and growing into the shoes of an artist, what did you work through that helped to make this artistic life come to fruition?

IR: My developmental years as an artist were both encouraging and frustrating. I faced a lot of rejections and critics voicing their opinions. However, I still persevered and always believed in myself.

Nothing would stop my dream of becoming the artist I wanted to become. I was always a hardworking artist, no matter what area of expertise I pursued. I attended the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, for graphic design and illustration. Later, I took courses at the Museum School in Boston and the DeCordova Museum School. A lot of hard work went into becoming the artist I am today, but it was all worth it. As a child, I spent hours drawing and attending art shows with my mother, an artist. Those early experiences helped shape me into the artist that I am.

Honing one’s skills in the art can take a lifetime to perfect. We are on a mission to learn and improve color usage, proportion, painting techniques, use of light, etc. What do you want to improve, and what do you think you are satisfied with? It’s one-on-one with oneself to find the way, and you have to be your own teacher in many ways. Thoughts?

IR: Being an artist is a hugely rewarding and fulfilling journey. There is always room for growth and improvement. Every piece of art I create allows me to take my craft to the next level, pushing me to reach higher and further than I thought possible. Even when my work seems sufficiently “good” in its initial form, I take great delight in the challenge of making it even better-both through research on other artists or taking the time to self-critique my own work. After all, when I am blown away by new art pieces at a gallery or museum, it motivates me to hone my creative vision. Nothing is ever finished nor perfect; every canvas is a new beginning for me to become a better artist than before.

If someone wanted to follow in your footsteps towards becoming a ‘good’ artist, what would you advise them to do? What would you tell them not to do? And how would you define a good artist in today’s world?

IR: If you want to take your craft seriously and give yourself the best chance at success, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Put yourself out there by entering juried art showseven if you don’t make it through the selection process, don’t be disheartened. Go to the front and use it as an opportunity to understand why your work wasn’t accepted this time. Another great way to develop is to take advantage of opportunities to get your work reviewed by reputable gallery owners or professionals. An industry experience like this could prove invaluable! On top of that, make sure not to jump the gun; learn when your work isn’t quite ready for particular situations yet, and constantly critique your work objectively. Going the extra mile can really pay off in these cases- if something needs improving, don’t just let it go- push yourself that extra bit further and ensure everything is as good as possible!

What is the artist’s market like for you? Are you seeking new places to show your work? Are you coming up with new ideas to get your art out?

IR: Being an artist is an adventure that never ceases. I’m constantly seeking new opportunities to share my art and show it to people. Though there are a few common pathways, sometimes it means thinking outside the box- like using nontraditional venues to find success. Whether it’s a gallery or juried exhibition, one of the unspoken tasks of being an artist is finding the right place to display my work. It can be a considerable challenge, but I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and embracing the challenge enthusiastically!

Is there a learning curve needed to be understood and worked on to jump on the bandwagon in today’s art market? Like what, for example?

IR: It’s no secret that creating art can be challenging. Navigating the learning curve of putting my art out there to be judged is challenging. I have encountered people who don’t understand my work or, worse, don’t like it. But the rewards of finding even one person who appreciates my work can be worth it! There’s no harm in striving to be the best artist I can-any. Time spent honing my skills and exploring new ideas is never wasted; I’m only improving and growing in my craft! With enough determination and hard work, I can take pride in each piece I create and hopefully at- tract new followers and clients. pen and ink and oils on canvas truly captivated me; it was then that I knew I wanted to pursue the same career path. What really drove me forward were the compliments from my parents, and all my classmates at school-they said I was one of the best artists! Their positive encouragement empowered me to keep pushing myself to become an even better artist. Drawing felt like second nature to me, like it was written in my stars- it never stopped being one of my deepest passions.

What are a few of your artistic principles and creative processes that have helped you to make satisfying finished paintings? Do preliminary sketches really hold the key to the final product?

IR: I know that every artist has their own preferences and techniques, but it’s all about sketching out a thumbnail when I have an idea of what I want to do. If the concept works, then I can lay it down on the canvas, brush in hand and get those creative juices of mine flowing! Though I must admit, there’s something so special about the freeflowing process, not to mention the beautiful surprises that can be discovered along the way. It always keeps me coming back for more.

Can you react to these meaningful words: art imitates life, and life imitates art?

IR: Art has always represented real-life moments and experiences. At the same time, life is often viewed through the creative lens of an artist.

Tell us about your childhood inspirations that lead you to become an artist? Did it have anything to do with family, school, or where you grew up? Friends? Teachers? Traveling? Mentors?

IR: I would be lost in my little world of creativity, sketching, and painting for hours as a child. Watching my mother create artwork with her Continued on next page...

What were the COVID years all about for you as an artist? By the way, how did you land in the space you are now in?

IR: After the Covid scare hit close to home, I was apprehensive about returning to my studio at NuArts in Pittsfield. Not knowing exactly how we could contract the virus added to my worry. That, combined with feeling out of sorts, caused me to not create. I was stuck with a feeling of needing to be more inspired and downtrodden. During this challenging time, doing happy work didn’t feel right, considering all the bad around me. Little did I know that all it would take to urge me in the right direction was one art meeting on Zoom with an incredibly persistent leader! They told me I needed to get back in there and start creating again…and it worked!

My new studio is located at the Clock Tower in

Pittsfield. Last year another artist friend found that the building had a vacant floor and that they were looking for new tenants. They were willing to build us our spaces to speck. We thought it was a great opportunity and signed the lease. I love my new space with its three massive windows, and now that they have finally finished the whole floor, it is gorgeous.

What would you change in your life now if you had the opportunity?

IR: If I had the opportunity to go back in time, one thing I would love to do is live, have a studio, and be able to explore the vibrant art scene in NYC! I can imagine myself roaming around galleries, taking classes, and hanging out with the local artists, taking in all this incredible city has to offer. Aside from that, I appreciate my life and the fact that I was able to follow my passion all these years.

How do you break away to recharge and get fresh inspiration?

IR: I absolutely love the Berkshires when the weather is warm and sunny! There is nothing like strolling out in my backyard, surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery. These peaceful walks allow me to explore new places, spend quality time with my family and friends, clear my head, and be re-inspired. I could spend hours wandering around, taking it all in, and enjoying the scenery. It’s definitely one of my favorite activities during the warmer months. www.ilenerichard.com

At the end of your day, and you go home, what do you enjoy doing?

IR: I like to relax, but unfortunately, dinner is always to be made. Occasionally my family will surprise me and prepare something before I get home. I always appreciate it when that happens.

What for you makes life a pleasure worth living?

IR: A life worth living has been all about enjoying the little things. I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to paint in my great studio and to be able to share it with others. Even better than that is the healthy and happy marriage I am blessed to be part of with my family. Life can always come with tough times, but having those two constants sometimes makes everything else easier. Ultimately, I could not be more grateful for the good things I’m lucky enough to have in my life- it truly is “all good”!