Meet the Artist: Joy Richu Pt. 1
Q1: As an amazing visual storyteller - what is your most loved story? It could be a childhood book or one of the stories you have told through your art - please share.
The story of Kamau and His Donkey holds a special place in my heart. There once lived a man and his donkey; the two were very good friends. One day, the donkey found itself trapped in a deep hole, and despite Kamau's relentless efforts, rescue seemed impossible. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable task, Kamau made a tough decision—to put an end to his friend's ordeal by burying the donkey alive.
As Kamau began throwing shovels of dirt to fill the hole, something unexpected happened. The donkey, initially dismayed, started to shake off each pile of dirt as soon as it hit his back. The donkey realised that when he did this, each shovel-full provided a stepping stone that he could use to climb higher out of the hole. And so what was once a source of distress quickly became something he looked forward to. Eventually, the donkey was set free.
This narrative, shared by my mother during my teenage years, has lingered in my thoughts ever since. It serves as a reminder of the value of never giving up. Each obstacle, when faced with resilience, becomes a stepping stone toward greater heights.
Q2: Please tell us about the art scene in Kenya and Africa.
Art exists all around the African continent and presents in diverse forms such as sculpture, architecture, graffiti, fine arts, new media and more. In Kenya, I love that there is a wide variety of galleries and showrooms that serve as platforms for both emerging and established artists to show and sell their work.
I find joy in attending new art exhibitions. Each one leaves me inspired by the range of innovative ways in which fellow Africans narrate the story of our continent. Within the realm of fine arts, I've been particularly captivated by artists who skillfully weave tales using materials and found objects from their surroundings.
Q3: With your deck showcasing African landscapes - what is your favourite view of Kenya? Please describe it to us
Lately, I’ve been drawn to serene spaces with a view of the diverse forests that grace our country. There's a profound sense of tranquillity I feel in observing trees gently swaying in the wind. Additionally, the beaches along the Kenyan coastline hold a special place in my heart — picture soft, white sands, palm trees, and a harmonious blend of colourfully vibrant African culture. While on the Kenyan coastline, you’ll see people adorned in traditional African outfits, offering camel rides and showcasing beautiful trinkets. I invite you to picture yourself on that beach, sitting leisurely under the shade, with an unobstructed view of the clean, blue ocean water, drinking an ice-cold tamarind juice. This is the sort of sensory experience I enjoy when I’m at the beach — it captures the essence of the beauty and cultural richness of Kenya's coastal landscape.
Q4: How did it feel designing a deck of cards to mark our celebrations of Black History Month?
Designing a deck of cards for Black History Month was rewarding. It presented a wonderful opportunity to share positive narratives about African history by exploring the diverse landscapes around the continent. In my view, landscapes hold a significant place in our collective history— each place tells stories of resilience, innovation, and the impactful contributions of African people throughout time.
Q5: Our players tell us they love to Flick & Relax - what do you do to relax?
Music is my go-to for relaxation. Whether I'm taking a morning run or making art, there's often music playing in the background. Additionally, spending quality time with the people I love is a deeply relaxing experience for me.
Q6: Tell us more about the suits, symbols and the natural habitats you selected to feature in your deck.
In crafting the deck, my aim was to showcase the diverse and stunning natural habitats that the African continent has to offer. Thematically, each suit is a homage to a specific landscape: Clubs represent the vastness of Desert Dunes, Diamonds showcase the beauty of African Rivers, Hearts explore lush Tropical Rainforests, and Spades capture the essence of Coastal Paradises.
Stylistically, I chose to infuse a familiar aspect of African culture—the intricate patterns that adorn our fabrics and artefacts. These patterns serve as a visual thread, making cultural representation both vivid and experiential. The selection of these landscapes was a personal one, as I selected places which I find genuinely beautiful, whether or not I've had the chance to visit them myself. For instance, the Ace of Hearts draws inspiration from Comoe National Park in the Ivory Coast. Despite not having personally visited, I wanted to convey the awe I felt in learning about this place and, in turn, invite the audience to share in that sense of wonder.
Q7: Do you play card games? What is your favourite game?
Absolutely! My favourite card game would have to be Crazy Eights. During the holidays, my family and I gathered for a game of Crazy Eights using the very first physical deck I ever designed. It made the experience doubly special, as we not only enjoyed quality time together but also shared in the nostalgia of my earlier drawings. It's moments like these that add an extra layer of happiness to the game.
Q8: Who is your favourite Flick artist/deck, and why?
I love Aurélia Durand's artist deck! The vibrancy and rich colours, coupled with the bold and large characters, make it a visually captivating experience. Another stylistic favourite is Galactixy's deck - I appreciate the intricate textures and thoughtful colour choices within that collection. Both are testaments to the beautiful range of artistic talent and creativity alive within the Flick Community.
Q9: What is the art scene like in your home town?
Nairobi is my hometown, and the art scene here holds great promise. The city is a hub of talent, and there's a growing appreciation and recognition of the artistry present here. It's noteworthy to mention that artists from other parts of East Africa travel to Nairobi for the opportunity to showcase their work, indicating the city's significance in the regional art market. Nairobi is evolving into a culturally diverse city, attracting people from around the globe who choose to settle here. This diversity is not only enriching the artist pool but also expanding the audience, contributing to an increasingly dynamic and flourishing art scene in the city.
Q10: Do you remember your first paid commission?
Yes! My first paid commission was from a podcast based in the US. They were in search of an artist to create cover artwork for their podcast episodes. Interestingly, this opportunity presented itself at a moment when I was also contemplating leaving my job in advertising (I was working at Ogilvy at the time) to fully embrace the path of being a professional artist. Despite the uncertainty that followed that initial commission, I interpreted it as a sign to take the leap. Fast forward five years, and I've been wholeheartedly committed to being a full-time artist. What I value most is the consistent support from my clients, who have always embraced and aligned with my artistic voice in bringing their stories and ideas to life — it means the world to me.