We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ricky Terrell. Check out our conversation below.
Ricky , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now begins with self care and reflection, prayer, reading, then painting. I normally use the first half of the day for myself and take care of any mundane tasks that need to be handled. I always end up watching true crime documentaries before I start to create lol I’m not sure why that’s become a habit but it helps me clear my mind before touching a canvas. The rest of my day is spent creating art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ricky Terrell and I’m a Visual Artist, Creative Director, independent curator and Fashion Designer from Chicago. Both my visual art brand and fashion brand have been a conduit to my personal healing and are heavily influenced by black culture, healing in our communities and telling black stories in the way that I perceive the world through my own experiences.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I wasn’t a person who would speak up much, so sometimes I’d let people project their fears onto me which would heavily influence my own decisions. That made me unhappy and uncomfortable so I had to change that. That uncomfortable feeling pushed me into finding my own confidence to forge my own path and commit to it no matter what anyone thought. Once I found my voice, I chose to live unapologetically, take up space, do what felt good for me including chasing my career on my own terms.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Without getting too personal… Living in Texas has created defining wounds that I’m currently healing from. I have found pockets of healing by accepting things one day at a time and choosing to move away. But that story is still being written, I’m still healing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Mostly yes. I like to keep some parts of myself just for me. I don’t show up as anyone else other than myself but I am careful to protect the parts of me that I value the most. But for the most part what you see is what you get lol.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace when I’m creating. When my creative mind is running wild, I feel a high level of peace and ease. I’m able to release things on my heart on canvas or when I make clothes in a way that’s healthy for me. I also feel the most at peace around my partner and best friends. That sense of family, safety, and creating memories definitely creates a peaceful environment for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealvisualsbyricky / @sorryimlatebrand
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