As a professional artist for the past forty years I have learned the key to success is getting out of the studio and getting involved in the arts at all levels. I have built and run several studios and galleries and sat on many volunteer boards and foundations. Without exception every one of these experiences has had a direct effect on the success of my career. Almost all of my major commissions and accomplishments came from being in the right place at the right time.
One of my larger ventures was creating an art community called The Point Studios which my wife and I built and ran for ten years. The complex housed 50 artists. We provided studio and gallery space for mostly retired people who wanted to follow their muse now that they finally had the time to do so. I watched people flourish in their senior years by interacting with each other and getting a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
We are in the process of building a similar complex here on the Saanich Peninsula and are looking for the space to do this. This complex is designed to cater to the ever growing retirement community on the South Island. As well, we are going to incorporate teaching the art glass technologies that I have developed including my patented process of bending glass without heat. It is my belief that healthy living and longevity are directly linked to activity and community involvement.
Rick's Bio:
I believe that it is the artist’s role to push the edges of what is considered art. For if not the artist, who? I choose to use contemporary materials in my artwork as they best reflect today’s world. My canvasses became tempered plate glass and my palette became liquid polymers and automotive enamels. When I started experimenting in the late seventies, I had no idea of the scope of what I was developing. My intention was to create my own art form, and at this I have been quite successful, having sold many hundreds of pieces over the last twenty years. I have also had several television spots done on me including The Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet where I was filmed bending a piece of glass into a sculpture without heat. As well, I have had numerous published articles, local, national, and international, and many radio interviews
The techniques I developed for painting on glass are multi-dimensional in appearance and can be created on canvas or board, as well. My patented formula for bending glass without heat allows me to create large glass sculptures without the limitations faced when using heat. Most recently I have been concentrating on creating large indoor and outdoor glass installations.
I have many visions yet to create which I hope I can accomplish in this lifetime.
As well as teaching some of these techniques.
I reside with my wife and daughter and have a studio in Sidney, British Columbia Canada.
