In this series, we get to know the Artists behind the work with ten questions about their practice, their space, and their ideas. These are their Stories.
Rita Vindedzis
Rita Vindedzis is primarily a self-taught artist and has been involved in art-making for much of her life. The daughter of professional artists, Rita’s earliest influences began in childhood as she watched her mother and father bring their artistic visions to life. Inspired by the creativity that seemed to permeate virtually every aspect of family life, Rita began to pursue her own creative abilities through formal studies. In her second year at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD), feeling restless, trapped and uninspired by the faculty, she left the college to make her own way as an artist.
In true RomCom fashion, Rita met the love of her life, also a creative, working at one of the top ad agencies of that time. They soon married and a few years later Rita focused all her time and energy on raising their son. Never losing love for her art, Rita enjoyed this time immensely and volunteered at her son’s preschool teaching art and crafts. The day that her son started grade one Rita decided that she would not work for anyone again other than herself. She began painting again and signed up for her first in a long line of art shows. In 2003, she exhibited her original paintings at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition where two local galleries scouted her.
Many years later, Rita is still painting and exhibiting her original paintings. She does not limit her creativity and moves from one dynamic series to the next. Her work has appeared in Canadian House and Home, Style at Home, and Chatelaine magazines, and on national television programs including Save My Reno with Samantha Pynn, and CityLine. Her work hangs in numerous private and corporate collections such as Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden, and Television Host Ben Mulroney among others.
When did you develop an interest in art?
I come from a family of artists, so I was born into art. It’s just always been a part of my life.
Tell us about your process when creating an artwork.
I spend a lot of time thinking about an artwork (or series of paintings) before I start to do any painting. I think about the colours, marks, and overall mood of the paintings I want to create. As I’m going about my day and something catches my eye or inspires me in some way, I’ll make a note of it. This part of my process can go on for days or weeks. When I’m ready to start the painting process, I work out colours and composition ideas in a sketchbook or on loose sheets of paper. Sometimes I’ll create numerous small paintings and use these as the inspiration for the larger pieces.
How do your mediums of choice lend themselves to the subject matter of your work?
Acrylic paint and mediums dry quickly, so I can build up many layers in a reasonable amount of time.
How did your work develop throughout the years?
As I’ve grown and matured, my art has naturally changed. Along with creating paintings for myself (private collectors and galleries) I’ve worked with a publishing company creating poster art. This has allowed me to explore a variety of styles and subject matter, and follow colour trends. I definitely see that showing up in my own work. Over the last 6 years, I experienced a lot of big life events. Losing both parents, losing 2 cats, the pandemic, of course, and a recent big health scare. My paintings now reflect all the joy and gratitude I feel after coming out the other side of these events. I’m creating happy, optimistic, colourful abstract paintings.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration for me comes from everyday life. From what I see around me in my home and from walking around the city; nature, travel, a day at the beach. I can find inspiration just by walking around in a mall and window shopping.
What do you listen to when you work?
That depends on what kind of work I’m doing – Busy studio work or painting. I enjoy finding a Spotify playlist to fit my mood for the day. When I was creating my Cocktail Collection, I was listening to a lot of cocktail lounge, ‘60s music, tiki lounge music and the soundtrack from the Mad Men series.
Margarita Pink Salt Rim, Rita Vindedzis, Mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 30″ x 1″ (right).
If given the opportunity, what is your dream project?
I would love to work more closely with interior designers, stylists, and brands. If I was approached by a home/design retail giant to create a collection of work, now that would be a dream project for me.
What’s one item in your workspace you cannot live without?
I have a black and white fashion portrait of my granddaughter (taken by my son) when she was a toddler. If there was a children’s Vogue magazine, it would be the cover shot. It reminds me daily of what’s important in life and to always use every crayon in the box.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
One of my earliest jobs was as a puppeteer with a small company called Puppets and Poupees.
What is one thing you’ve been loving recently that you’d like to share?
A few positive affirmations first thing in the morning really do make a difference in how your day evolves.
Do you want to be featured? Join Partial as a Pro artist and e-mail us at hello@partial.gallery. We’d love to share your work.