Meet Rhiana Deck | Artist

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

Hi Rhiana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Pretty much every decision I’ve made in life having to do with art has been a risk. In middle school I would use painting in ditches as a way to get away. All the way up to deciding where to go to college, which art degree and what to do with that degree afterwards. I’ve learned to paint for the love of painting. I fully enjoy free-styling. There is absolutely a risk in that but I’ve also learned I’m less frustrated with the outcome. I have no expectations, only using what I know combining the parts I loved of what I did last with what I’m currently working on. It’s become one long study. My process varies depending on the project. Sometimes it’s from a sketch, which I sketch onto the surface. Others it’s an approved sketch for a client. My favorite are the improvised freestyles. I go with the flow. It’s my first time seeing the piece along with everyone else. I get to pick it apart just like the viewers. It can get it can get scary not knowing when it’s complete but I just accept it sometimes. It’s like life. You just have to accept things and do better next time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There have been moments that have come easy. Mostly though, the rest has been the struggle to remain consistent in stay productive. I am an enrolled member of The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Our culture is important to me and every now and again I tie bits of it into my work. I like to keep it personal though. If that makes sense. I have learned to accept I am consistently inconsistent and work best in a controlled chaotic environment. It is what it is. Life has been a tad easier since accepting this about myself. Also, always use clean water. My mother was my biggest supporter of my art when I was young. She got sick and passed when I was a teen. Every time I get a gig i hear what she told me on my first day of painting class as a child. Sit still, don’t touch anything without permission and only speak unless spoken to. I still paint for her.
So many factors have played a part in how I’ve got to where I am with my art. I’m still a little fish in a big pond and like being that. A lot of just going for it, the help and love of friends in their support by sharing what I do and just being there. It can be scary not knowing how your work will be accepted by people. I’ve learned it’s natural to be scared, to just do it. Every time I am still surprised by how supportive people can be. Those are the only opinions that matter. There’s a huge difference between an opinion and constructive criticism. I love a good critique.
I’ve overcome the hardships by going into the pain. Not numbing it or running from it. Painting it out basically. Being by myself and finding peace in doing the little things. Listening to people and being there for them. Helping anonymously. Not getting too excited when things are going well, stopping and taking a moment to be grateful .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ll be completely honest here. I had my son last April. He’s now 10 months old and I haven’t been anywhere. Lots of things have changed in OKC since I’ve been out and I would feel like a new person to the city now too. Two places that I haven’t heard much change about are the Plaza District & The Paseo. You could definitely spend a week exploring those two locations. So much good food, entertainment and of course ART.

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?
Definitely Chad “Nish” Earles. He is my favorite living artist. He’s taught me so much and he’s a wonderful human being.

Website: https://www.rhianadeck.art/

Instagram: @rhianadeck