We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Richard Glick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Richard, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
A few years back I entered an established art fair in Chicago and purchased the largest booth that they offered. I thought “go big or go home” and displayed large. mostly black toned abstract paintings. My vision was like a Reinhardt show and I now believe were looking for bright and vibrant works.
My sales and inquires were not what I had hoped. It was time to reflect on what I did correctly, and what frankly I did wrong. There were a number of valuable learning I took away from the experience. First, before an important show like this it is extremely valuable to reach out to the press to promote myself, my visions and inspirations. What I also learned from this experience is to get an idea of the show’s audience and attempt to incorporate this into the work that I display and possible future works.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a contemporary, abstract painter located in Chicago, Illinois. My “Spaced Out and Blocked” paintings explores a new way of looking around the universe; stars, planets, moons and other celestial bodies. While the work is abstracted and reflects representational subject matter, I focus on each work’s shapes and colors. Many of my paintings have circular, organic and free flowing forms that seem to be restrained by distinct, unyielding grids or borders. Perhaps this alludes to my inner turmoil about being open and authentic in the global world? You can see some of my current paintings in a group show at Nuu Muse Gallery in Dallas,Texas. You can also see my work at Singulart and Saatchi Art,
both are online galleries or please visit my website. Maybe take a flight to space with me?
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My approach to art has evolved significantly over time. Today, I find that embracing art through the lens of maturity and experience enriches the creative process profoundly. As l’ve grown and encountered the various facets of life, I have developed a heightened sensitivity to the intricate emotions and subtleties with every brushstroke and painting. This experience has cultivated a deep understanding of color, form and composition, enabling me to connect more profoundly with my artistic intent. I would probably tell artists that are early in their journey in the art world to explore every avenue that comes up. That includes going to all galleries in your area, Instagram, TikTok and other ways to promote your work.. Also, make sure you have a very strong and interesting website.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I grew up with two older sisters. One introduced me to Picasso and other 20th century artists at a very early age. For reasons I can’t explain. it was then, and continue to be, drawn to the art of the 20th century. I studied Picasso’s works very closely. I was immersed in the process how he deconstructed objects, forms, shapes and color palette were always inspirational to me. My parents were amazing! They were both very supportive of my artistic endeavors at an early age. They were also encouraging and generous with my college and studies abroad. This continued while living in New York City. They were both were such nurturing, loving couple.
Contact Info:
- Website: RichardGlickStudio.com
- Instagram: RichardGlickStudio
Image Credits
Tom Van Eynde-photographer [email protected] Harley Friedman- photographer harleyfriedman.com
