Art & Life with Ricky Mo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Mo.

Ricky, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was first introduced to art through tattoos. I got my first tattoo right out of high school and quickly became fascinated by them. I had a full sleeve by age 21, and while I lay there watching the process for hours, I realized I wanted to create tattoos. After jumping around to a few different colleges, I found myself in the right place at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA. I completed my BFA in Painting and Drawing, while also apprenticing at Salem Ink Tattoo and Art Gallery in Salem, MA. I’m currently on my third year at Salem Ink and tattooing full time. In addition to tattoos, I also make abstract paintings and murals.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make abstract paintings and site-specific murals using acrylic paint. I paint in a Formalist manner using geometry, color theory and optical illusions. Siding with the abstract expressionists, I often pose the question: ‘What is the point of making a painting that depicts real life, when you can just take a photograph?’ So, my paintings and murals have evolved into something the viewer has never seen before, and it becomes more than just a painting. It becomes an experience. And as far as tattooing goes, my preferred styles are American Traditional and Geometric, and I enjoy using a combination of two.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
The best way to meet artists and people who appreciate art, is to go out and see art. Galleries and museums are filled with people who love art. As artists, it’s important to network with others and to take opportunities when they present themselves.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Everyone can view select pieces of my art on my Instagram page and my website. Feel free to stop in at Salem Ink Tattoo and Art Gallery (201 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970) to check out some of my paintings on wood panel, or come by to get a tattoo!

My newest mural “Fun House” is currently on view 24/7 outside of the 301 Gallery at Montserrat College of Art. 301 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915 and there will be an opening reception for it on Saturday September 8th from 4-6pm and everybody is welcome!

Contact Info:

• Address: Salem Ink Tattoo and Art Gallery 201 Derby Street
  Salem, MA 01970 (978)744-5486
• Website: www.rickymo.com
• Email: artistrickymo@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ricky_mo

Image Credit:
Sophie Mayo Photography

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