Today we’d like to introduce you to Rickey F. Polidore, Jr.
Hi Rickey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a native Houstonian Art has always been an integral part of my life. Electronic sculptures of VCRs, cassette players, and turn tables were my initial creations that smoked but never really caught on fire. The journey took me around the world exploring objects that were similar to my own in form but born of completely different materials. Collecting stories and images was fascinating and needed to be shared with my community. This yearning for fellowship brought me to now over 20 years as an Arts Educator.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been bumpy, which helps when I’m lost as the texture of the voyage is remembered, and those roads with potholes can be avoided. Art has not only been my profession but my therapy as well. When the wheels gain corners, efficient tools are used to smooth out the edges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I am using the brains of teachers and students as my medium. Creating a robust and equitable Visual Arts Curriculum that serves the artistic and intellectual needs of our ever-changing student body. Art Cars! Now that’s a bird that flies windless wings. I have always had an affinity for cars and art. This medium allows me to combine the two into one. Initially creating with students as an Art Teacher, now the mobile, illuminated, kinetic, motorized sculptures are evolving with the help of my surrounding community and countless numbers of volunteers and castaways. Productions can be seen annually at the Orange Show Art Car Parade. Art Is Everywhere.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Love and Hope shared to all draped in artistic visions and applications of trust and courage. Create Art that provokes cognitive stimulation and support artists that manifests metamorphosis.
Image Credits
Rickey F. Polidore Jr.
