Meet richard richard richards

We had the good fortune of connecting with richard richard richards and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi richard, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Initially I didn’t. I mean I wanted to. Growing up I loved to draw. I studied animation, ceramics, graphic design, web design, and filmmaking in high school all of which were incredibly fun and interesting to me but I didn’t think it was possible to go to an art school. For starters I grew up in a single parent household and let’s just say there were a lot of things I would have liked to do but we just didn’t have money for. I figured college was just another thing on that list. That and I didn’t have any confidence that my work was good enough to get accepted into an art school.

Despite my lack of confidence I do remember going with my mom to an info session at the now defunct Art Institute of San Diego and the tuition for a 3 year program was like $75k which we definitely did not have. Pretty sure that was when I officially decided to join the Army. I was in the Army for 4 years, got out and used my GI Bill to get a degree in accounting. Counting school I was studying or working in accounting for 11+ years and it sucked the soul right out of my body.

In need of a creative outlet/pursuit I started moonlighting as a stand up comedian and improviser. Eventually I’d invest in a “decent” camera to film my sets and this would lead me all the way down the photography rabbit hole finally realizing THIS (photography) was my true calling and passion. The rest is rock and roll history —by that I mean I’m broke, out of style, and long-forgotten. Hah! But FWIW I am happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My first attempt at breaking into photography as a career was with a commercial photography practice in the documentary family niche but thanks to the covid-19 pandemic derailing that plan I pivoted (a few times actually) and eventually landed on a fine art practice centered entirely around personal projects. My work consists long-form documentary projects, street photography, and autobiographical/diary style photography. I’ve shot projects on local activism around the BLM uprising in 2020, the return to the bars in the #hotvaxxsummer of 2021, open mic comedy, and have ongoing projects around music, animal captivity, and religion.

I am also revitalizing my filmmaking, drawing, and animation skills in an effort to expand the reach of my work and creative vision. All of this has been incredibly freeing and rewarding as an artist. To make exactly what I want without having to compromise my artistic integrity is something that I am incredibly grateful for but it’s also a path chalk full of challenges.

I have been selling my work online on my website (www.ricpics.me/store) and at a handful of Art Festivals, markets, and events locally in San Diego each year and I am still working to connect with and grow my audience and collectors. I started selling in 2021 so I’m just starting to get to the point where I know which shows are worth it for me and which ones to avoid, but because my photography is quite different than the photography that people are used to seeing at these events (landscape, cityscape, seascape, and San Diego icons) people don’t quite know what to make of my work so it’s a bit of a long term investment in being out and about and trying to convince other street photographers to take up space in these events as well. Playing the long game is almost a necessity for any artist and it can be incredibly isolating and daunting so it’s been important for me to find other artists who face similar challenges. Finding community has been a major injection of motivation and excitement into my practice.

The latest project I’m most proud of is my first book/zine “ric pics Vol 1: LOOSEY GOOSEY.” It’s a beautifully executed version of my vision, genreless, artistic, and creatively open. For those interested you can snag a copy here (https://www.ricpics.me/store/p/looseygoosey). Book making is a direction that I want to explore further with my art practice so completing my first book has given me confidence to develop other printed projects.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my creative practice and in life is to stay true to myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok well I know I’m partial to OB (Ocean Beach) because I live here, but I do feel like there is a lot of good shit going on here. For starters the walk along the coast from sunset cliffs to the pier is one of the most unique views of San Diego period. It’s got awesome surreal cliffs, incredible tide pooling, secret beaches, graffiti, beautiful people and unique characters. As a street photographer it is a dream location to live and work so this would be a must visit. Also the restaurants like OB Noodle House, Elvira/Cesarina, The Joint, La Doña, I mean, we could spend the whole week in OB really. If they like live music I’d take them to the Wednesday jam at The Harp or the Thursday jam at Winston’s both incredible jams where some of the best musicians in town gather to create magic in real time. Pretty incredible.

If we HAD to leave OB I’d suggest hikes at Torrey Pines or the 7 bridge city hike in Balboa/Hillcrest/Banker’s Hill. If they’re up for live comedy we could catch a show at Mockingbird Improv in Liberty Station, or Stand up at The World Famous Mad House Comedy Club or the American Comedy Company. Also, there’s tons of sick museums and beautiful public spaces at Balboa Park, the Musuem of Contemporary Art in La Jolla is also pretty fantastic and we could walk the ritzy gallery row after or go check out the seals, sea lions, and bird colonies on the La Jolla cliffs too which is always a good time especially during the breeding and pupping seasons. If it were summer, we’d have to get in the water and for that we could either go snorkeling with the leopard sharks at The Marine Room or hit the beautiful beaches in Solana or Del Mar. I’m not really a sports fan but Petco Park, the home of the Padres is pretty sick so maybe a ball game, Gulls games are also really fun, if they like street hoops maybe an SDSU game.

Look, I dunno, there’s a lot of cool shit to do in this city, ok?!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is certainly one of those “how much time you got, buddy?” questions. There are so many people that I believe have helped me to get to where I am now, whether they know it or not. For starters my mom for always being my #1 cheerleader and showing me what unconditional love looks like. Also my older brother for being a big supporter my whole life, getting me into still photography, and for being a role model for what it means to be a true original. My fiancée for always having my back especially since I started down this fine art path, and for being the best mother and copilot in life. My daughter for always giving me honest feedback on pieces and helping to keep me young at heart. I have countless friends and family that have supported me on all of my creative endeavors. My first photo professor, Amy Caterina, for putting me onto the masters. This may have been the greatest gift I’ve received as an artist. All the artist friends I’ve made over the last few years, especially those who participate in my monthly crit, the Medium Collective, and Heart (photo collective). And lastly I’d shout out all the artists, filmmakers, writers, comedians, and musicians who’ve come before me especially those who’ve directly influenced me it’s my goal to do right by all y’all.

Website: www.ricpics.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricpics.me/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWjegRXjuleV7Um81D6ZlA

Image Credits
Stefan Frutiger (for my portrait) All other photos by me.