About Page
Artist Statement
As an artist his entire life RIVA has literally succeeded in every medium. Starting as an illustrator for tee shirts and surf merchandise in his native San Clemente California he quickly adapted and learned styles and techniques that brought him into an array of markets and arts.
In the 80's he became one of the busiest artists in the giftware industry. His work represented in numerous showrooms in the prestigious L.A. Mart.
He became a staple of ideas and products for theme parks and resorts like Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World, Universal Studios and more.
His fine art illustration and paintings brought him acclaim in the sports art world. Besides his licensed player portraits and lithos for Major league Baseball, he was constantly commissioned by professional sports teams and athletes for portraits and art work for their own collection.
His work is sold and resold at higher prices each year.
In the early part of 2002 he became lead designer for VOHANN Donisa a manufacturer of fine home decor for bedrooms and baths. With over 200 designs in under a year his merchandise found its way into the major department stores around the country. Penney's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohls, just to name a few. After that he became lead designer for UHULA corporation, doubling their already successful line of bedding and bath decor. Buyers of UHULA products got a special treat when TEEN VOGUE magazine dedicated a full page to RIVA's design decor in their June 2005 issue.
Recently he became enamored with the Arts and Crafts period of tile art and emersed himself in the task of learning the art and becoming increasingly adept at it. As you can see there is the same incredible attention to detail in his tile as there is in his other mediums.
Contemporary tile collectors are scooping up his works as they become available. His 2 commissioned handpainted tile murals on permanent display in the BELLAGIO HOTEL in Las Vegas are proof positive that he is viewed as a tile artisan worthy of investing in his work.
Many celebrities and professional athletes own his work or have commissioned work from him throughout the years. Most recently, Academy award winning actress Marcia Gay Harden became a fan of his tile and purchased a dozen deco pieces to be installed permanently in her private home
Sample of Rick's Work
Browse the full collection at the gallery.
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