Life & Work with Socorro Rico

Today we’d like to introduce you to Socorro Rico.

Hi Socorro, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in California as one of five children from migrant parents, my Mexican American upbringing was a unique blend of cultures. After completing high school, my path led me to study nursing, but the allure of the art department at my community college proved irresistible. This passion for art eventually earned me a scholarship for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Purdue University, followed by another full scholarship at the University of Dallas, where I focused on printmaking. For the past seven years, I have found my artistic home in Kansas City, where I have been painting and working at a small art collective dedicated to empowering women and non-binary artists.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as an artist has taken me on a nomadic path, moving from California to Indiana, then to Washington, Texas, and finally settling in Missouri. Along the way, I have sought out diverse communities and experiences that have shaped my artistic development. I have dabbled in various mediums, exploring textile painting, wheel throwing, stained glass, and tattooing. However, my thirst for knowledge and passion for artistic growth remain unquenched as I seek new and intriguing skills to add to my repertoire. While finding the ideal creative community that resonates with me has been a challenge, I persevere, knowing that the right community will provide the support, inspiration, and camaraderie I desire on this creative journey. The Cherry Pit Collective has been my artistic home from home for 6 years now, and I feel lucky to be part of its community.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, my artwork is deeply rooted in the memories of my Mexican-American childhood, intricately weaving together objects, textures, and elements of the natural world—plants, landscapes, and animals. I exist in a perpetual state of nostalgia, channeling the mourning of past events into visual creations that exude warmth, comfort, and tenderness. Drawing inspiration from the stylized aesthetic found in children’s coloring books, I employ a distinctive approach to depicting animals and objects. Through transforming my personal narratives into illustrations, I intend to connect with an audience who, like me, grapple with the challenges of identity, culture, and self. In sharing my vulnerability, I aim to forge a sense of empathy and understanding among viewers, fostering a shared experience that resonates with the complexities of the human condition.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am thrilled to announce some exciting upcoming ventures in my artistic journey. This fall, I will showcase my work in a group exhibition at the prestigious Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a remarkable opportunity to share my creations with a broader audience. Additionally, I am eagerly preparing for the release of a holiday collection of ornaments, which will be available for purchase on my Etsy store, spreading the joy of my art during the festive season. Moreover, I am open to commissions, welcoming the opportunity to bring personalized artistic visions to life for clients who desire a unique and meaningful piece. I am grateful for these upcoming endeavors and look forward to my artistic practice’s continued growth and exploration.

Pricing:

• Commissions welcome at socorrorico1@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: Socorrorico.wordpress.com
• Instagram: Socorroricos
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Cocosrico

Image Credits
For artist portrait credit: Jason Little, Kansas City photographer.