Artist Statement

 "I am an artist of many facets residing in Winston-Salem, NC. Not only am I an abstract artist, but I am also a graphic designer that uses recyclable materials, textures and bold colors when designing and creating my original masterpieces. My originality, vivatious attitude and corky style set me apart from my counterparts. My artwork is influenced by Abstract Expressionism, German Expressionism, and some Chinese influences. I am blessed and honored to express myself through my designs, leaving a piece of my heart on every canvas!" 

ABOUT ME

Confucius said it best “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." I really do not consider this as my job, it's my passion. So, I pray daily that God continues to grant me the desire to want more than I can accomplish. My name is April Reich, I am 40 years of age, and was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I also resided in Charlotte, North Carolina for 16 years and returned back to Winston-Salem in 2014. My accomplishments include a Master’s degree from University of Phoenix in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree from Fail Sail University in Media Design and my undergraduate degree from Fayetteville State University where I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Management.


WHY I’M NOT THE AVERAGE ARTIST
So, as you can tell I am not the average artist. I took several art classes at Fayetteville State where I began to draw and sketch using mainly chalk, but never majored in Art. Several classes later I began to love art, and it became my obsession! Although I had a craze for fashion and interior design this did not dull the fire and passion I continued to have for art. I began to pray asking God to give me direction for my passion that would make me stand out from the crowd. One day I woke up and decided to purchase some art supplies, not having a clue about what to buy. I purchased some canvases, paints and brushes and went back home and started to just paint what I felt in my spirit. At first, I didn’t think my art was good enough to show or even sell so I started to throw pieces away. Then one day a close friend of mine saw my art and said that I had an outstanding talent and that I needed to test the market. I took several pieces to work where I also received a lot of positive feedback. This not only boosted my confidence, it also motivated me to start my own business, "My Creative Design” which I have successfully operated for 19 years. Although art is my passion, I also have other creative talents, which include creating graphic tees, mugs, coasters and other products, as well as specializing in designing logos. I consider myself to be a well-rounded abstract artist and graphic designer.


WHY I CHOSE ABSTRACT ART
You may wonder why I chose abstract art and what it means to me. Abstract is a soul’s reflection of a creative and open mind. I love abstract art, because I feel that it allows me to really express myself. My inspiration to paint comes from my emotions and the amazing Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol and Picasso. All my paintings are from my heart. Whenever I feel, see or think of an idea, I translate it to the canvas. I use different types of mediums in my work such as ink, watercolors, acrylics, oils pastels, chalks, pencil, and mixed mediums. Naturalism, stylization and abstraction are three artistic languages that I use to create and design my paintings. The greatest part is that all creations are left open to interpretation and everyone can extract something different from my art work. It makes me feel good when others can see my vision as well as share their perspectives of my work. This gives me the motivation to continue creating piece’s for “My Creative Design”.

I THANK GOD
I thank God daily for the talent, and I don't take it for granted. My leadership skills, creative talents and life experiences motivate me to want to continue to perfect my craft and be the best I can be. Every piece of art is a direct inspiration of my life. I pray that you are blessed or touched in some way by my creations.

I don’t paint to LIVE, I LIVE to paint!