Richard Marvin Voigt - RIVO - An American Artist by Susan Tollerton

In 1995, multi-media and mass marketing eagerly lead the entire world into phase three of today's mainstream explosion of Digital Art. And like every generation, the same question remains - What is Art? I recently met a passionate artist named RIVO (Richard Marvin Voigt) who has been approaching the answer with a very unique style and approach.

His work is truly Incredible. The longer you study, his work become three-dimensional as most of his masterpieces are comprised of tens and even hundreds of layers. While some may view a section advancing, others find that same section retreating back in space. They really are exciting visual energy that becomes extremely personalized within one's perceptional vision.

RIVO is extremely gifted as a prolific artist who creates amazing "Visual Verbs." I felt honored to be granted a rare private viewing of a portion of his "Visual Nouns." He is a bundle of enthusiastic energy and creates for pure personal pleasure, clearly defining ART as the interactive process of creation, starting with creative thought, establishing goals, defining steps and following through till the final task is completed to the artist's satisfaction. Unfortunately, the viewer rarely has time to experience the entire creative adventure, but can still enjoy and appreciate his "Visual Nouns."

Nearly every area of his home and studio is filled with an amazing life-long collection of Visual Verbs. After just spending a couple of hours, I realized that it would take weeks to absorb and fully appreciate the incredible range and depth of his collective body of artwork. It was an over powering experience to digest in this one visit.

As with all great art, the "Seven-Elements of Art" are always present: Line, Shape, Form, Space, Texture, Color, and Hue Value. However, it's the artist who determines which elements, become his passionate focal point. RIVO's love for shapes, textures, and colors soon become evident.

He's currently working on a massive "Digital Quilt" consisting of over 200 unique compositions created to be assembled in a multitude of unlimited combinations. Each canvas section measures 38" x 38" and if all prints were laid end-to-end, it would take the length of nearly two football fields to display.

The underlying structure of his overall themes, explore abstractions of family, friends, flora and fauna from within his worldly environments. His kaleidoscopic symmetry explores myriad depths of colors, rich textures, and dynamic patterns that challenge the eye and mind in seeking a deeper conscious relationship within the abundant imagery often missed by superficial glances.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin RIVO proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force where he began to explore his love for photography and his personal journey as an American Artist. For over 30 years he refined his experimental art while serving as an award winning Master Educator and later as "Artist in Residence."

RIVO's dynamic portfolio includes romantic, realistic, and abstract imagery, architectural design, lush still life, peaceful landscapes, delightful man-made objects, illusionary fantasy art, and sensuous human figures.

Currently, RIVO Studios is his creative arts studio, based in Wisconsin. His company, RIVO Inc works directly with other artists, aspiring models, corporations, community organizations and small businesses. His services include assisting in the personalized production of original rare and collectible, one-of-a-kind fine art compositions, modeling portfolios, acquisition of important keyword domains, and the digital restoration of heirloom photographs and documents.

Just go to GALLERY (upper left) and select one of his theme oriented galleries. And now, for the first time, his life-long work is finally on display for you to enjoy, as have I. I'm sure RIVO would love hearing your comments on your favorite works of art.