Meet Rita Stern | Artist

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

Hi Rita, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been creative, from the time I could hold a crayon. I didn’t think I could make a living being an artist so I became a teacher and got my masters in Art Education. When I retired 8 years ago I began my full-time art obsession. I came up with the idea of Wish Pillows, which I made and sold at stores and festivals. I did that until the covid lockdown in 2020. It paralyzed my creative spirit. It took me about 2 months to start doodling, which I did about 30 years ago. Now I post on Instagram and go to festivals, now that they’re happening again.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Easy? What’s easy? I’m 73 and wish I was younger because I know I have a long way to go to find my true style. I keep trying different artistic styles and feel like I haven’t reached my true potential. But the secret is to keep trying, I look at other artists. I try not to be intimidated by their expertise. I draw almost every day, usually in the late afternoon and evening, when it’s quiet. I just keep trying, experimenting, learning. Practice is the only tool I use. Besides my pens, pastels, colored pencils and regular pencils.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Brookhaven, GA. We have a great park called Murphy Candler. We’d take a walk on the path. I like saying hello to the dog walkers. I love dogs. We might go the High Museum. I wish the Cirque de Soleil was still around. Maybe see an event like the Van Gogh event which I absolutely loved. We’d go to my favorite restaurant, Himalayas, an Indian restaurant in Chamblee. Also Mexican, Japanese and others. Sit outside with a drink and appetizer. Invite some good friends to join us. We’d probably visit a few galleries. I’d show my friend the art I’m working on and have her/him choose something they’d like to have. Springtime in Atlanta is gorgeous. All you have to do is step outside to enjoy yourself.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has always encouraged me to express myself artistically. So have my friends, most of who are creative, too.

Shoutout to artist friends, Jude Lindquist, Faye Skillen & Hollis Hildebrand-Mills.

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