Richere is one artist with an intensely beautiful heart. A big one at that, constantly using her Art to uplift the vulnerable and inspire the world at large. She’s the kind of creative that thrives not just with a great Art, but also an amazing personality using Art for social good.

Join us on this special annual ISSUE- As Richere shares her awe-inspiring story of how she began, what keeps her going and a truckload of other inspirations on her journey.

Enjoy and Stay Inspired

You are so beautiful, inside out. How you combine your creativity with empathy reflects how big your heart is. One that is passionate about uplifting the vulnerable and inspiring the world through Art. It is one thing to see a great Art and another thing to be a great artist with an amazing personality. You beautifully combine both. Can you please share some highlights of how you began your creative journey as a painter?

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I think that art is a beautiful channel for creatives to be able to express themselves. I’ve utilized my own passion for art to express who I am as a person throughout the years but especially at the beginning of the pandemic. This was a huge turning point for me; just as the outside world was turning chaotic, my own inner world began to flourish and blossom through painting. Art was always a part of my life growing up. I went to college, but soon after graduating, I became lost in finding who I was as an artist. When everyone went into quarantine, I was suddenly faced with the unique opportunity to figure out my obstacles, and explore what I struggled with for so long. This moment became a pivotal start to my career as a painter.

Can you remember the first artwork you made and what inspired it?

Although I am primarily a portrait artist today, I remember my first “masterpiece” was actually a landscape painting. At the time I was heavily influenced by Bob Ross and really admired beautiful, realistic, landscape art. During one of my studio art classes that I was attending outside of high school, my teacher encouraged me to replicate an eye-catching sunset piece with a swamp-like setting. It was a stunning reference, and just as equally intimidating. To my intense surprise though, and with the guidance of my teacher, the painting looked professional. I knew then that I had something in me that was worth pursuing.

What does Art mean to you?

Art means everything to me. On a personal level, it’s an avenue to express what my spirit wants to communicate to the world. Art may seem like it’s the outcome of a talented individual but it’s more than that. Art is a magic touch, a blessing given to those who are fortunate enough to pursue it.

We are grateful to have you on board this special ISSUE with the theme- The Art of Christmas. Do you celebrate Christmas? What’s your most memorable moment
yet, in this holiday season?

I really appreciate this exciting opportunity, thank you for having me! While I don’t celebrate Christmas from a religious point of view, I do enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. So far, my family and I are looking forward to participating in the festivities that come with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

You once shared an experience of how you put on a Private Art Show for elderly residents. Another reflection of your passion for using Art as a tool for social good. What would you consider most fulfilling about your creative journey as a painter right now?

This was a fun experience; I was told that the residents didn’t have a chance to get out much so I was asked to put my work on display for them to view. It was a very humbling experience for me as well. What I consider most fulfilling as a painter right now is simply the fact that I am able to create what I wish to see come to life. It’s very fulfilling to be able to have that freedom to make mistakes, to explore and to continue growing my portfolio.

What’s your dream life as an Artist?

My dream life as an Artist would be to share my vision and creations with people who are able to emotionally connect with my work. There’s nothing better than to have someone appreciate my work for what it is. For someone to love and cherish my paintings because they can connect with it on an emotional level, is the greatest honor to have as an Artist.

Your masterpiece ‘Inner Fire’ highlighted a perfect reflection of quiet girls with a lot of confidence on the inside. Can you please share more on the inspiration behind the artwork and a few tips for creatives who struggle with self-doubt?

This piece was inspired by my own shyness growing up (and I still am at times a little shy) I was painfully quiet as a kid, especially when my sister and I transitioned from a private school to a public school for the first time during fifth grade. At the time I had zero confidence because I was learning to navigate a public space with kids my age. It wasn’t until the end of the year that I decided I was going to try and work on my confidence going into the next school year. My piece “Inner Fire” is a representation of all the young girls and women who feel compelled to stay quiet and privately struggle with their voices but also that everyone has a strong, beautiful voice and everyone has the courage to use it to ask for what they want.

For creatives who struggle with self-doubt as far as their artwork, know that it’s a process and it takes time to discover your identity. Take a break if you have to and then try again; you’re creative and artistic for a reason. It will come to you.

Do you feel creatives in developed countries are at an advantage over those in developing countries?

It really depends on the individual and how they decide to use the resources that are in front of them. Someone could have all the resources and supplies in the world, but yet not have the drive to take advantage of what they have. Someone else may have limited resources but may create with all the drive and passion of the most successful artist that we have today. I think it’s all about someone’s mindset. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world; if you want something badly enough, you will find a way to make it work.

Balancing work time and rest time is a struggle for many Creatives. Please share a few tips on how you try to balance work time, rest time and family time?

It’s a very difficult thing to balance, absolutely. Work, art, and family time are all equal priorities; I try to tackle one thing at a time. Once I’m done with work for the day, if I am too tired, I choose to rest and spend time with family. If I feel inspired and energetic after work, I sit down to do a little bit of painting. If I find that I spend most of my energy towards work and art time has escaped me a little bit, I make sure to get a bit of creativity in on my next day off just to ensure that I’ve fulfilled some type of balance for myself.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me means being in love all the time with my creative process. Because to be in love is to be elated, and if I can feel this way every time I’m bringing someone to life on canvas, it means that I’m doing my job right.

Please briefly tell us something we do not know about Richere Barbeau.

My first language is French and my twin and I were born on Valentine’s Day, the day of love!

Let’s go a little poetic: If poetry is a rainbow and you have a choice of one color in that palette, what would that be and why?

My choice of color would be all of my favorite colors in one. For me, this is a total and complete balance of myself as an artist. To be more specific, pink, aqua, light teal, and sky blue are colors that are soothing to my soul.

Massive Love!

The ICONIC Team.