Meet Arikka | Artist

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

Hi Arikka, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Around 2017- 2020 I felt I was one step from “arrival”! I had a studio in RiNo, successful shows, profitable sales and national recognition for my work. In 2023 I went through a divorce and have experienced major life changes. My time and resources have become more sparse and my two sons are my main focus as providing stability has become priority! Creating art took a back seat and my brushes remained untouched for months at a time! I wanted to just start throwing it all the dumpster because that season of my life was over but instead of throwing it away I picked up the paint brush and just started painting not with any goal or vision but just one stroke at a time. Depression can speak such sinister messages to the soul. I choose not to listen to the messages and just painted and I continue to do so!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been painting for the past 28 years. I took an elective college course in figure drawing and that was life changing. I was in my element and found my place of belonging. My passion for creativity has always been a strong force in my life. It has had its seasons but that is simply life for us all. I started painting the figure and eventually transitioned into collage and then abstract work. I focus on texture, vibrant colors and of course gold leafing! I allow my work to speak to the viewer in hope that it will evoke an emotional response or just be enjoyed!

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.
I’m a Colorado native and Denver is so different from the Denver I grew up in but it has so much to offer. Denver has some fabulous restaurants, museums, bars and entertainment! While my guest is getting acclimated to the altitude we will start with a day at the Botanic gardens with lunch at Offshoots! Then, go grab a cocktail and charcuterie at the Cruise Room in the historic Oxford Hotel. The next day we will hit the Denver art museum and the Clifford Still museum followed by dinner at the Mercury Cafe! Third day would be a trip to Meow Wolf and a eccentric cocktail at the bar! My grandparents built a log cabin in the Horsetooth Estates so I grew up going to Fort Collins a lot! One of my childhood favorites is a delicious breakfast and cinnamon roll at Vern’s cafe in La Porte! We head up the rocky canyon to visit beautiful Estes Park! First stop.. the Cherry store for everything “cherry”. Then stop at the historic Stanley Hotel for a coffee on the porch overlooking breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. We finish the trip with a fun day at Casa Bonita!!! This is the more touristy things to do but still so fun and I have so many hidden gems that I so enjoy! I love being a tour guide in Colorado and I feel proud of where I come from. I have never moved from Colorado but at times I have always wondered what life might be like elsewhere. I am not outdoorsy and I am certainly not a skier or hiker but the Rockies are a large part of my being and this is home! The front range has greeted me every morning and I remain awe struck by their beauty EVERYDAY!!! I’ve never known life any other way!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dearest grandmother Missy! She had such an impact on my life! A painter of 50 years and a cancer survivor that lived life on her own terms! She had breast cancer at my age of 47! She made a choice to live life to the fullest and make each moment count and she did until her death at age 85!

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