It's been about six months since I started this blog, which means I've had the chance to interview six incredible creatives (so far!) who call Richmond, Virginia home. My goal for these Q+As has been to get to know my artistic peers. I've gotten a peek at their processes, learned some great advice, and discovered a common reason for why they all love this city.
Rachel Humiston
Paints beautiful signage at Trader Joe's and freelances on the side
"[Richmond is] big enough to be loaded with possibilities, opportunities and aspirations, but small enough to allow access."
ENVYS
Spray paints amazing typography in and around Richmond
"To me graffiti is vandalism straight out of the gate — nothing more, nothing less. I think what people confuse it with is 'graffiti-styled art' and 'street art.'"
Clara Cline
Illustrates gorgeous nature-inspired lettering and images
"I was really drawn to the process of lettering — it appealed to my love of illustration, but also my structural and analytic side. There’s as much a science to lettering as there is an art."
Andrea Molzhon
Embroiders (often hilarious) words and quotes on pretty fabric
"You don’t have to work on the same kinds of crafts to share the same joys and struggles of other crafters; we’ve all “been there,” and we all have a shared understanding of the process and of why we do what we do."
Ross Trimmer
Keeps the sign painting trade alive through windows, walls and more
"The effects that can be reached with the [gilding] techniques I’ve learned never cease to amaze me, and let’s face it — everyone loves a sparkle."
Victor Lares
Letters detailed compositions drawing from a graphic design background
"[Pen and paper give] you so much freedom to do whatever you want, unlike an electronic medium which will constrain you to do only what the software allows you to do — that can sometimes hold back your creativity."
The one thing they all love about Richmond is the diverse and supportive art community...and I absolutely agree. There are a ton of artists in this city that want nothing more than to see their peers succeed. I'm so happy to call this place home!