Rife Says Art is Her Life
“Don’t listen to people when they say you can’t just have an arts degree, because you ‘can’t do anything with it.’ They are wrong. You are free to choose the path that you want to take.”
These are the words of Bluefield College art education major Kaitlin Rife, who shares how art has always been a part of her life and how important it is to her.
“I can remember when I was a little girl going to the Dollar Store looking for the next amazing coloring book and a new box of Crayola crayons with my mother,” Rife recalls about the early days of her love for art. “She always colored with me when I was little. I have grown up loving art all my life, and I have always wanted to be a teacher. What better way to show students how to be creative than being their art teacher? I want to inspire students to be creative and see life as a different picture.”
At the beginning of Rife’s college career, she recalls how hard it was for her. She felt like her life was not complete. After talking to her professors, she realized her true calling: art education.
“I always loved art, and I decided out on a whim that I wanted to be an art teacher,” she said. “When I walked into the print studio, I felt like I finally belonged.”
When it comes to famous artists, Rife says Vincent Van Gogh has to be her favorite. She says he is her “inspiration.”
“I love the textures, colors, and the feeling that you get when you look at his artwork,” Rife said. “He inspires me every day to be successful in my work, to just enjoy it, and to be free on the canvas.”
As far as what type of artist she is, Rife would say “one-thousand percent” an abstract artist.
“I can remember the first abstract painting I ever did,” she said. “It was called the ‘New York Cat.’ My style was inspired by that amazing painting.”
When asked what some of her favorite pieces she has worked on are, Rife says she really likes her wedding piece.
“I love the feeling that you get when you look at all the colors, textures, patterns, (and) themes that you get within that piece,” she said.
Rife is currently a part of The Lost Pearl Art Gallery in Tazewell, Virginia, where she has some of her ceramic work on display. She says she loves Bluefield College and that being a part of an “amazing” Christian college” has helped her not only be successful, but also be a better person. She encourages all aspiring artists to pursue their passion.
“If I didn’t choose art, I wouldn’t have found the true gift God gave me,” Rife said. “I have the ability to be creative any day, hour, or minute of my life. Art can last billions of years after you leave this world behind with creativity.”