Conversations with Rich Berry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Berry

Hi Rich , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a pretty non-artistic family. But, the Beatles hit and it was all different for me. I learned to play guitar at 15. It seemed to be a natural thing with me as I was in a band after only playing for 3 months. At 20 years old and being in my second year in college, I lost my draft status of 2S because I was short 3 credit hours. I was reclassified as 1A, which made me realize that I was going to be Viet Nam bound. So I got into the Navy to avoid that, then the Navy sent me to Viet Nam. while in Viet Nam I was reassigned for 3 months to Special Services. They put me in a rock band that traveled the country and played all the places that the USO shows couldn’t go. After that I came home, got married, and had a child. I played music after that for my whole life. I eventually got into a blues circuit as a single act in about 1996. I started traveling 11 states playing. About 2011 I got home just burned out on club owners and drunks. I tried my 1591378 hand at art and found that pen and ink was my strength. My first art showing I took Best Of Show. As a Viet Nam vet I have PTSD and agent orange syndrome. I think that music and later my art has carried me through everything. I do believe at this point I would say music and art have saved my life. Today I am still an active musician and artist. I am showing at various art shows and am a member of Images Art Gallery in Overland Park Ks. and Frame It in Liberty, Mo. I am now 75 and I won’t quit until I am physically or mentally unable to continue.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My main struggle has been with the experiences serving in Viet Nam and suffering from PTSD. You are never “cured” from that, you just learn to redirect it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been a musician most of my life. I have told friends many times when I stop performing, I die. It has been the overpowering driver in my life. I self produced 5 albums, the 4th being awarded best traditional blues in 2009. I have been in many blues festivals over the years. I also was included in a promotion of music in Public Television, and made an add for the Kansas City Chiefs.
I have been an artist since 2011. I work in pen and ink. It has become an equal drive with music in my life. The creative process is such a part of me, it can haunt my sleep at night. I have won many awards for my art over the years.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My drive for music and art keep me going, but my compassion for people and finding the good is what matters to me. I don’t have a lot, but I always find it in my heart to give to charities to help animals. I have also been to slaughter houses in my life and have become vegitarian because I see that they have personalities and rely on us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.richberrypenandink.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.berry.1829/