Artist Spotlight: Vicky Reddish
Meet Vicky Reddish, an abstract artist based in Nashville Tennessee. Apart of our new show Pattern Play, Vicky finds art to ignite a sense of fun, warmth, and personality that hopes to inspire and uplift.
How did you become an artist? Who or what have been your biggest influences?
"Creativity has always been part of my life, but in high school I had a wonderful art teacher my freshman year that ignited my love of painting. For a long time it lived quietly alongside my life and career. In 2019, I set up a small home studio, and by 2020 it became clear that creating art wasn’t just something I loved, it was something I needed. Painting became a way to process, to play, and to make sense of the world. I’m deeply influenced by color, movement, travel, and everyday joy. Gardens, travel, textiles, play and childlike wonder like the feeling of being somewhere beautiful and unfamiliar all show up in my work in abstract ways."
2. What is a fun or unexpected fact about yourself that the audience may not know?
"I’m a sneaker junkie! I have entirely too many pairs to even admit! :)"
3. Can you walk us through your creative process, from rituals or routines to ideas to finished pieces?
"My process is intuitive and layered. I usually begin without a plan, just a palette that feels right. Music is usually playing, and I tend to work in bursts of energy rather than strict routines. I build slowly, letting marks stack, pause, and breathe. I know a piece is finished when it feels settled, like it has exhaled. There’s a calm that arrives when nothing more needs to be added."
4. If you could live inside one of your artworks for a day, which would you choose?
"I would choose "Everything on My Mind" because I find the greens delightful and the colors and flow make me feel light and happy."
5. What was the most difficult obstacle to overcome during your artistic journey, and how did you overcome it?
"Letting myself take my art seriously was the hardest part. Giving myself permission to show up fully, to be seen, and to trust my voice took time. I overcame it by continuing to create even when doubt was loud, and by surrounding myself with people who value creativity and encouragement."
7. What's your newest binge worthy show or movie you recently obsessed over?
"Survivor is THE show that I watch every season. My husband and I always watch it together and I always try to convince myself to go on the show (even though I hate to be dirty, tired and hungry!)"
6. Tell us about the pieces you're showing in the
Pattern Play Show. What inspired them? How does the idea that Art is for Everyone influence your work as an artist?
"The pieces in this show are inspired by
Anee Shah's delicate earthy flowers and my friendship with Anee - I find her to be gentle, lovely and intentional, just like her work. This work is layered with squiggles and texture that play to the energy of hers. They’re meant to feel welcoming rather than intimidating. I believe art should live with you, grow with you, and bring light into your space. The idea that Art is for Everyone is central to my work. I want my paintings to feel accessible, warm, and emotionally open, something you connect with rather than something you feel you have to understand."
