Rickie Higgins
Decatur, AL
"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9"
About Me
I am a Southern mixed-media painter based in Decatur, Alabama, working from my downtown studio at The Art Loft, just across from the historic Princess Theatre. I began painting at age thirty-five after attending a workshop—a gift from my wife, Rebekah—that transformed my life and ignited my artistic journey. At fifty, I retired from teaching elementary school to pursue painting full-time. For more than twenty years, my work has been featured in juried exhibitions across the Southeast, where I value the opportunity to meet and connect with art lovers and collectors.
My recent work leans toward figurative abstraction, exploring themes of absence, belonging, and human connection. Adopted as a child, I grew up without male role models. My birth mother declined my invitation to meet, and I have since released my search for my birth father. These experiences are woven into much of the work without defining me as an artist or person. Painting has opened unexpected doors—connecting me with people from vastly different backgrounds, allowing me to encourage emerging artists, and offering a way to contribute meaningfully to others through the work I share.
Examples of My Work
Fun Facts
Dancer - Growing up I was in a breakdance group. I still bust a move from time to time if the music hits just right.
Teacher - I left a brief career in graphic design to be a 5th grade teacher. I taught writing and math the bulk of my tenure.
Impresario - I predicted the success of the Red Clay Strays the very first time I heard the first line of the song "Wondering Why."
Pitmaster - Smoking meat and savoring the results are two of my hobbies.
Brewtist - I'm no coffee snob, but I do insist on freshly ground Guatemalan beans every morning.
More About Me
What, if anything, is playing in the background while you create?
There is always something playing in the studio. This past year the Red Clay Strays probably got the most playing time. I enjoy the raw story telling of Zach Bryan also. However, depending on my mood, the likes of Sade, Buddy Guy, Tom Petty, SOS Band or chill covers of popular 80's and 90's songs could be playing at any time. If it is 5pm on Friday, I've got Flashback Friday blasting with club mixes of dance music of various decades.
Why do you create?
As a child the first thing I ever felt I was good at was drawing. Today, painting remains one of my favorite things to do.
I’ve learned to embrace the fear, uncertainty and problem-solving that comes with the process. Each day in the studio is a gift waiting to be opened. I love the anticipation. I also create for the people who encounter the work. Through it, I’m able to encourage, contribute, and connect with those beyond my own small circle.
Tell us about your art studio.
My studio sits on the second floor of a historic building in downtown Decatur, AL. As you step inside studio 5 of The Art Loft, the first thing you notice is the light. Two tall north facing windows fill the space with natural lighting and a great view for those ‘step-away from the easel’ moments. One wall is usually covered with works in progress. This helps me monitor my pace and directs my next steps as I am usually working on several pieces at once. Another wall displays some available pieces, while the remaining walls are lined with shelves full of paints, materials, color charts, etc. Two large easels face each other and roll easily across the makeshift wood floor, allowing me to shift perspectives and work between the two easels naturally. A rolling cart holds my palette and a music stand holds my iPad. My studio door remains open most of the time welcoming studio visits or collaboration from a fellow artist. In the corner, a vintage brown leather wing back and calf/foot massager await break time. Add my devotional, mixed nuts, Celsius Peach Mango Green Tea and Bose sound bar, and I am lost in a full day of painting.