Risica Caputi
Island Falls
Risica Caputi is a Florida native now living in Northern Maine. In the summer of 2023, she fractured her dominant wrist while skateboarding; this ultimately led her to discover the artist in herself. Risica was one of the awardees of the 2024 Maine Arts Micro-Grants, has participated in collaborative gallery exhibitions in Northern Maine, and is slated to have solo showings later this year.
Artist Interview
Q: Can you share how your artistic journey began? What inspired you to start creating, and how has that initial spark evolved over time?
A: My entire artistic journey began by surprise, when I fracturing my dominant wrist. The subsequent surgeries & recoveries, took such a toll on my physical and emotional health. Creating art was my last-ditch effort to pull myself out of depression. I had a deep need to create something, anything. Like a primal instinct.
Q: What have been some of the most significant moments or challenges in your journey as an artist?
A: When inspiration hits, I have to get my thoughts onto the linoleum block or canvas as soon as I can. I use everyday materials when I paint, tools that I have available, or items that are close at hand.
In my printmaking, I carve things that I think are beautiful. I print a lot of birds, mostly because of how graceful and free they are. I’ve done portraits as well; sometimes a face can be so captivating.
Q: If you could offer one piece of advice to other creatives pursuing a career in visual arts, what would it be?
A: I think the advice that my younger self would actually appreciate, would be to stop comparing your life to the lives of your peers. “You do you”, in essence. Just because your path looks different from other people’s doesn’t mean it is wrong. Don’t give up, keep making art you’re proud of, and keep doing the legwork. Stay with it!