The gallery was buzzing on Saturday, April 29 with many admirers of Richard’s work.
Many of the viewers already own a Richard original but were tempted to acquire another and there was lots of animated chat over a glass of Buck’s fizz.
Janet Haken from the Tuesday Painters group was there with some other members and they were proud to announce their pleasure that Richard was their vice president and that he was such a great asset to the group.
Paul and Larry, Rye residents, explained why Richard’s worked resonated with them so much. “We really like the way that Richard takes what seems so very ordinary, something commonplace and ‘everyday’ and transforms it into something luminous and ‘other-worldly’. It can be the most ordinary of faces or ordinary of places but it has been altered and changed into something wonderful. We love our original Richard Adams piece.”
Richard was born in Hampshire and did a foundation course at Swindon College followed by a degree in illustration at Leicester Polytechnic. He lived in London for twelve years as an illustrator and in animation, then moved to Rye where he has stayed. Richard’s work expresses his love of the English countryside, the beauty of gardens, interesting architecture, the endless variety of farms and all their quirks, and then he adds his special Adams-style twist to it all.
His exhibition, called Rye’s Edge, runs from April 29 to May 29 and it is certainly worth a visit either to re-acquaint yourselves with or discover his work if it is not known to you.
In conversation with Richard after the private view I discovered a little of the private man behind the public face
Who inspired you as an artist and who gave you encouragement?
I’m inspired by British art, poetry, literature, drama and music. All the fine things that have been created in the past that are part of my heritage and I’d like to add to, in my own modest way. My parents always encouraged me. My dad didn’t want me doing a 9-5 job like him.
What three words describe you?
Creative, worried, happy
Who would you like to sit next to on a bench alive or dead and have a conversation with?
I would say Laurie Lee, author of Cider with Rosie but I had the great honour of having a conversation with him several years ago.
What is left on your bucket list?
A bucket list would just be a massive worry.
What virtues did you feel it was important to instil in your children?
Just don’t be rude to people.
Where is your favourite local place?
There’s an ancient bridleway near us that is so steeped in the past it makes a wonderful meditative walk.
What do you do to relax?
Occasionally I get things done…then I relax.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
So happy to see all these wonderful creations in one place. It must have been a sell-out! A red dot fiesta!