Specializing in wacky, whimsical, and colorful work meant to brighten up the gloomiest of days. Risa is constantly experimenting with a wide variety of mediums including paper art, felting, sculpting, illustration, stop-motion animation and more. Her artwork is all about being playful as a way to recharge the creative spirit and find ways to stay connected to those we love.
My work throughout 2023 was centered around grief. Trying to process, channel, and create space to sit with it. I noticed how the holes in my heart settled into my body and a familiar feeling emerged of longing for any moments of light and joy in my life again. The exaggerated whimsy and silliness in this collection acts as a counterweight to the heaviness of death and loss. They serve as little reminders to seek the playful and restorative joys in life when all else feels dark. Life may not be a picnic but when we come together, and let the sun warm us, we might find some respite in the light.
My first fully worked out stop motion concept using paper. I learned how to create blinking and that working on larger scale props is SO much easier than teeny tiny stuff. Inspired by my move to LA which resulted in a u-turn right back to San Francisco (where I had left my heart).
The move that never happened. I love taking components of one project and seeing what else I can make from it.
