Looking back on 2025, it was a year of progress - of highs, lows and challenges, but my takeaway is growth.
Creative exploration and a commitment to painting have delivered confidence in my work, and I'm so delighted that my work is now in many homes and businesses, bringing joy through colour.
From developing my style further to seeing my work featured in some truly wonderful publications, 2025 has reinforced why I love creating art, and why I feel so grateful to do so.
A Year of Creative Evolution
Throughout 2025, my focus remained firmly on creating bold, vibrant, large-scale pieces that invite conversation and emotion into a space. My work continues to be rooted in layers, texture, and movement, with acrylics applied predominantly using palette knives. Each piece is built slowly, layer upon layer, allowing marks, colour, and often hidden words to emerge organically within the work.
These hidden words have become an important part of my process, sometimes personal, sometimes abstract, but always intentional. They add depth and meaning that often reveals itself over time, both to me and to those living with the artwork.
I waivered on some of my decisions - to be so vibrant, to create only orginials, etc., but ultimately I have trusted my gut and stuck with these deicisons as this is my style. It's not for everyone, and I'm OK with that.
This year also saw an increase in bespoke commissions, something I particularly enjoy. Working closely with clients to create one-off pieces that complement specific colour palettes has been a highlight. Whether introducing a vibrant pop of colour into a more muted interior or bringing joy to commercial settings, commissions have allowed me to push my creativity while responding directly to a space.
Art in the Home & Meeting in Person
Because many of my pieces are large-scale, my home has naturally become my gallery space. Throughout 2025, I welcomed visitors and collectors to view the work in person - and this makes all of the difference. As the pieces are originals, seeing art in situ, in a lived-in space, allows people to experience the texture, scale, and energy of the pieces in a way photographs can’t fully capture.
Featured in Leading Publications
One of the most uncomfortable yet rewarding parts of 2025 has been seeing my work featured across a range of respected Irish publications. This year, Art by Riki appeared in:
- The Sunday Independent
- The Irish Independent
- IMAGE Magazine
- Irish Country Living
- Ulster Tatler
…among others.
Seeing your work in press hits different, as does hearing from readers who have spotted the ieces and followed up by getting in touch.
Looking Ahead
As I move into the next chapter, my focus remains the same: creating art that brings energy, texture, and feeling into a space. I’m particularly excited to work with interior designers, offering both original works and bespoke commissions that elevate interiors and create impact.
2025 has been a year of momentum, and I’m so very thankful to everyone who has supported, collected, shared, or simply taken the time to engage with my work.
Here’s to continued creativity, brave colour choices, and many more layers to come.
Riki