April 26, 2018

Meet Rykelle Kemp of The Wooden Nickel

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rykelle Kemp.

Rykelle’s current works of art is a representation of the knowledge she has attained through her personal studies of her tribes and working under her father (Renowned Native Painter/Printmaker Randy Kemp) as a printmaker from the age of 12. She has worked with many master printmakers including Joe Segura, Jacob Meders and Brent Bond to name a few. She has also been associated with Xico. Inc. (Phx, AZ), where she has worked in many Mono-Type and Mono-Silkscreen workshops perfecting her printmaking skills over the last 10+ years.

Rykelle’s works have been featured in art galleries, museums and art markets across the US (Santa Fe Indian Art Market (NM), Autry Museum of the South West (CA), Heard Museum (AZ), etc. She has also been included in native arts magazines across the country.

She works out of her own home studio where she produces her own mono-silk screen prints and mix-medium artworks. In addition to printmaking, she found her creative passion for jewelry making and design. She took it upon herself to learn metal-smithing and more directly silversmithing. For the past few years, she has worked tirelessly at cultivating and growing her knowledge and her own techniques in silversmithing. She has created a unique style all her own that incorporates her tribal heritage.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am an indigenous Woman and a business owner, I am here to break boundaries and Stereotypes. The struggles are real, especially in the art world, no matter your background. Currently, there has been lots of encouragement from my tribal communities, they realize the importance of the arts and the roles it plays in having our voices heard, for many reasons, especially for political happenings.

Being in such a public form of expression I know how important it is to inform people of misconceptions, that all native art is “cowboys and Indians fighting on horseback” or the same ol’ Southwest designs over an over. My message is that “we are still here! We are still making art, and it’s new and fresh and modern.”

We have tons of amazing Indigenous artists in this country that have yet to be recognized. I am continuously reminded me of stories I carry and beautiful things I craft with my hands and the need the world has for Native artists like me.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Wooden Nickel – what should we know?
Currently, my main business is as a fine-art Printmaker and Silversmith, I also create under the business name: The Wooden Nickel. I create One of a kind Mono-Type and Mono-Silkscreen Prints using Native American imagery and symbolism’s that all have stories and meaning to each one. My style is a Modern approach to Indigenous art with lots of vibrant colors and textures. I also work in my home studio as a Silversmith most days of the week.

I take the same approach to my jewelry as I do with Printmaking, lots of texture and vibrant stones, but with a modern minimal look. I have been working on taking traditional items and materials and creating one of a kind pieces that express all of my tribes. This involves the use of lots of silver and turquoise from my Southwestern Navajo tribe and White Shell and symbols from my other two tribes (Choctaw & Euchee-Creek) from the SouthEast.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It’s important to have a voice, something you are passionate about. If you don’t have that then you won’t have the drive you need to succeed, in anything, especially art.

Pricing:

Jewelry $90-$550
Fine Art Prints $80-$1,500
Posters, Totes, Shirts $25+

Contact Info:

Website: www.TheWoodenNickel.Shop
Email: TheWoodenNickelStore@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewoodennickelarts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewoodennickelstore/

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.