Interview
Richard Shu
There is always a story, here is Richard’s. As a classically trained architect in Madrid, Spain, he was deeply influenced by the work of Antonio Gaudi: his buildings, his forms, his colors, all deeply imbedded in his subconscious. While studying architecture in Madrid, he experienced the rich life of Spain, the bullfights, the people, the food and the Prado, where all the paintings from Spanish masters reside. He spent endless days in the museum studying their proportions and brush work and he was inspired.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“In 1972, I came to America to study at the University of Pennsylvania, where I was introduced to a different design style in classical modernism with the influential Louis Kahn. After my post-graduate study, I went to Chicago and joined the world-renowned firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). In 1982, I moved to Louisville and married my wife, Mary Ann Horton. We raised two wonderful and successful children, mapping a long journey of many different careers. My wife suggested an impromptu trip to Rome in May of 2016. I started sketching around Rome: At night, I would stay up until the wee hours in the hotel room, immersed in Watercolor with the sketches I drew earlier that day. Then, as I saw my drawings come to life, I realized what I’d missed for so long. My art is my colorful interpretation of human stories, experiences, and memories. It is the internal imagery of unfolding emotion based on my journey in life and experiences. I am a multimedia artist, but I prefer Watercolor for its transparency and fluidity. Recently I also started to create art in a different media, “Digital” I use my iPad to create a series of works based on the relationship of forms and colors to interpret my life and travels.”
What inspires you?
“What inspires me the most in my artistic work is life and nature.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
"My personal preference is Abstract and Impressionistic compositions of form and color. However, I accept many commission projects ranging in subjects from Architecture, Portrait, and Nature. The underlying message in my work is "Life and Human Experience.”
How would you describe your work?
“A colorful interpretation of the Human Story.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Many artists inspire me, including; Sorolla, Miro, Monet, Lautrec, and Calder.”
What is your creative process like?
“It all starts with an idea or a subject then I think of the process and format.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is to express what you see, and I don't try to push my personal views onto others. It is up to them to feel your message.”
Please tell us about any previous exhibitions you found noteworthy and wish to share.
“No, but I would like to be considered someday.”
Website: www.richardshuartstudio.com
Instagram: @richardshuartstudio
