WS Chronicle

Art has been in April Reich’s heart for as long as she can remember. Her passion for art has led her to create pieces that are sought after by many art lovers and collectors.

Reich has been an abstract painter for nearly two decades. Her art has been published and she has had her work exhibited at art shows. She graduated to producing graphic design work as well, due to the high demand for her work. That prompted her to create her own business, My Creative Designs.

Art seems to be in Reich’s blood as her mother was a baker, interior designer and a seamstress and her father is a landscaper. She was not into following the crowd when it came to her style; she preferred to create her own lane.

“I always had a spirit for art and I always dressed different and was different from everyone else,” said Reich. “When I was younger I painted and when I went to college, I took an art class and that intrigued my interest in art even more.

“I knew I had to take more art classes before I left Fayetteville State, so that’s how I got back into art and knowing the fundamentals of art. I went on and got my second master’s in fine art so I could learn more techniques and find who I am as an artist.”

Reich says her artwork is recognizable because of her brush strokes and color schemes. She says people are drawn to her work because of that. Reich stated she is inspired by a variety of factors that affect how a certain piece will turn out.

“I could be sitting down watching TV and something might come across my mind or move me and I will just get up and paint,” she said. “I try to paint every day, but something always moves me.  

“I try to think of my concept first. I decide what type of paint I’m gonna use and from there, then I think about the color concept.”

Jackson Pollack is one of Reich’s favorite artists. She said she draws from some of Jackson’s techniques, but there is a ‘rhyme and reason’ to how she creates her artwork.

“I don’t just throw some paint on the canvas, and if it doesn’t come out the way I want it to, I will start over,” she continued. “People tell me it looks good the way it is, but I am a perfectionist, so I have to have it just right.”

Reich says she chose to become an abstract artist because it allows her to express her feelings as an artist. During her time as an artist, she is pleased with her progression in her craft.

“When I first started in 2002, I can see a change in my artwork and I have grown so much as an artist,” she said. “My clientele has increased so much and they love what I do. I don’t just do artwork, I do everything else. I call myself a creator. I can put a piece up I did in 2002 and one I did now and they are very different, but you can still see me in it.”

Reich uses several methods to create her artwork. She not only uses brushes, but also other items that allow her to produce her unique artwork.

“Before I put something on canvas, I always do a sample piece when doing different things so that can be my signature look,” she went on to say.  “After I grow into it, I just add upon it. I always try to challenge my mind and challenge my artwork to do something greater than I did the day before.”

One of the greatest pleasures Reich gets out of being an artist is witnessing the reactions from people seeing her art, especially one that has been specifically created for an individual.

“How I know a painting is complete is when I get these little flutters in my stomach and if I don’t feel that, I might be missing something in there,” she said about her artwork. “When I deliver a painting to a customer, just to see the smile on their face, because this is exactly what they wanted.”

Reich has big plans for her art and creative pieces. She wants to continue to evolve as an artist and bring her work to a broader audience.

“In another 10 years, I hope to have my own gallery and I see myself teaching other kids about art and giving out scholarships for art,” she said about her plans. “Honestly, I just love everything about art, because it’s an expression you just can’t explain and no one can tell you whether it’s wrong or right.  

“You can put one line on a piece of paper and that is art to someone. I used to tell my kids that I taught in Charlotte that there are no mistakes in art, because you can always add to it to make it better.”

Later this year, Reich wants to begin teaching young artists some of her painting techniques. She is waiting to see how the numbers of the pandemic turn to determine whether she will hold them in person or virtually. She will also have an individual show in September of this year to showcase her work.

Reich recently launched her website that displays all of her artwork.  If interested in her artwork or commissioning a piece to be made, please visit www.mycreativedesigns.com.