Rising Stars: Meet Gracey Ripa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracey Ripa. 

Hi Gracey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to create art but I needed to figure out how to support myself solely through it. At nineteen I decided to become a full-time tattoo artist and went through a difficult year and a half apprenticeship. 

After five years of tattooing, I accepted I had been ignoring what I truly love. Although tattooing gave me more than a stable income and a freeing lifestyle, I realized I needed to pursue what I didn’t think I could do, which is painting. 

For the past three months, I’ve been painting as a full-time job and I’m enjoying every moment of it. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many obstacles along the way. I eventually got a private tattoo studio for a few years to avoid the sexual harassment and unsafe environment that my clients and I experienced. There’s no HR you can go talk to in a tattoo shop you know? 

After I decided to leave the tattoo industry, I’ve had to adjust to making less money, but I only want to make as much money as I need to live happily on. To be fair I’m only in the beginning of this journey. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint visions I see after lucid dreaming and whimsical paintings inspired by various mythologies and folklore. I often use acrylic on canvas to depict goddesses and animal symbolism. My next piece will probably be Sekhmet, a fierce Egyptian goddess! 

Depending on the season and my mood my color palette varies from extreme darks to brights and focuses on magic realism. My paintings are typically whimsical but have a hint of darkness that is unusual. 

What does success mean to you?
To me, success is the ability to feel inner peace. To be able to live as simple as possible while doing what you love is success. 

Pricing:

• $300 for a 12”x12” custom painting

Contact Info:

• Email: graceyripa@gmail.com
• Website: https://graceyripa.etsy.com./
• Instagram: Instagram.com/grimripaart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracey.ripa