Richie Ritchie
Flathead Catfish, Cedar, 32 in. x 15 in.
Lifesize Native American Woman, Poplar, 7ft x 42in.
Burnside, KY
Website: http://9fingerart.com/
Richie Ritchie: Wood Sculptor
I grew up in Knott county Kentucky and moved to Burnside KY at the age of 16. Growing up in Eastern Ky and being surrounded by nature has a huge influence on my art. The endless patterns and shapes I see in nature carry through to my work. Several years ago I discovered my passion for sculpting wood and stone. There is a process to my art from gathering the wood to releasing what's inside it. I create using various types of wood from driftwood and barn lumber to trees which have already been cut. After finding an interesting piece to carve, I try to look inside it and uncover what I see. When sculpting wood I try to let the grain of the wood create an effect which brings the piece to life and gives the viewer the urge to touch the piece. When sculpting wood I use different types of power tools to remove the excess wood. In the spring of 2008 I had a accident while carving and had my finger removed. The accident not only made the urge to create the things in my mind much stronger but also gave me a new appreciation for art and how it effects people's lives. I now call my creations 9 finger art.
