Today, we’re going In the Studio with Maryland artist Ricky Chenoweth. Ricky’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Our Maryland Gallery exhibit.

From Pasadena, Maryland, artist Ricky Chenoweth, takes the ordinary and infuses it with a style all his own. Somewhere between pop, surreal and abstract art, Ricky’s pieces explode with color. His graphically bold compositions have earned him Winner of the Pasadena Voice’s Best Artist 2020 as well as being published in multiple newspapers and online companies. His artwork ranges from realistic illustrations to tattoo flash graphics and eye-catching interpretations of pop culture icons. Ricky got his start at the Chesapeake Arts Center over 7 years ago and works in a variety of mediums, graphic design and editing being his personal favorites.

Here’s Ricky talking about his art, process and experience...

What art do you most identify with?

- probably surrealism and pop art, I love symbolism and dream-like imagery, so surrealism has always been super impactful for me, and of course pop art, with vibrancy of colors, cultural influence with celebrities and commercial characters.

When did you realize you were an artist?

- for me personally I always felt the title "artist" needed to be earned, so after working on a few artworks and posting more and starting to really get traction off my creations and characters is when I felt more like an artist, because I had respect to go alongside my name.

How did you get into your art/side-gig?

- stress relief, I always looked forward to coming home and drawing or painting, or designing, whatever gave me that sense of accomplishment off of something I created.

What are you currently working on?

- currently I'm working on putting together my next show, at hysteria taphouse in Pasadena, alongside my normal yearly commissions and I have been branching out into figure study a little more and understanding how light hug the curvature of the human body... but I'm sure i'll be onto something else by the time this blog is uploaded lol.

What's your favorite piece of artwork that you have created and why?

-i have a few pieces that i consider my crown jewels, but probably "constellation falling" its a really cool moon man figure that when displayed with black framing and in warm lighting looks really mysterious and ominous, has quite eye catching, I love having that piece at my shows, always a conversation starter.

What food, drink, song inspires you?

- oh goodness... I love music, I love a lot of different bands and genres of music. Currently I really love this band called "waterparks", they're pop punky and have really catchy lyrics that I felt were relatable... relatable to me at least lol, their songs, 21 questions, easy to hate, and 11;11 stand out as my favorites to design to and drive too :p

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

- I get a lot of responses to my art, some good some bad, a good one: i had an art seminar with umbc and one of their students after our "art talk" came up to me and said "your work really energized my interest in art again, it's not the same old stuff that's in the history books or constantly posted online, it's different and deep" I try to think about that conversation a lot when I'm not feeling so great about my creations.

-a bad one lol I've had some people tell me my art isn't worth the money I charge because I design my creations graphically and I can always make another one, and to those people I tell them thank you :) lol

What work do you most enjoy creating?

- i love the process it takes to create a deep surrealistic piece, from research and references, to drawing, printing, painting, graphic editing and getting what is in my head onto pages, or screens. it's an insanely rewarding feeling to finish a piece with emotional meaning and connection and then having people actually understand it! that's indescribable.

What’s your favorite quote?

-hmmm.. control what you can and accept what you can't. I apply that to myself nearly every day

What role does the artist have in society?

- oh my gosh, probably one of the most important roles!!

they bring light to the dark, color to the neutral and style to the world, think about all the artists that have impacted society from, Disney, marvel, athlete murals, books and stories, music, handmade products, I could go on for hours lol artist are very important if you dive a little deeper :p

What’s your dream job?

- my dream job is probably living off my artwork full time, selling commissions, or prints, and other products, I always love creating new pieces and products to sell anyway so why not do what I love every day!

Is there any local artist that Inspires you? If so, who and why?

-Nicole Caracia one of my muses and insanely talented photographer

-Kevin Hock brilliant songwriter and musician

-Casey Woodburn abstract expressionist that could give Pollock a run for his money.

-Chris Burgos wonderful digital graphic designer in terms of surrealism and imagination.

-Ashley Reid a fantastic talent and colorful art therapist

These ones inspire me the most because they aren't only talented in their own respects but they are genuinely great people to talk to and bounce ideas off of and to find common support. That's rare in the art world.

I've got a few more but they're out of state lol

also side note, i think more people should try to appreciate the living artist more!*

Why art?

- it makes me feel important to myself, it allows me to express myself and my ideas in ways other avenues can't.

For more information on Ricky and his incredible artwork, check him out on Etsy .