The Overthinker | Featuring Alessandro Ricchi
Being an overthinker can be a little chaotic and a little random, but ultimately, also a little beautiful.
In the relatively short time that the Craft Talk Instagram page has been active, I’ve already made some really amazing connections. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some really talented, genuine and inspiring people from all around the world. As I continue on this journey of finding a craft to everything, I’ve also decided to highlight some of my new friends and share some of their work, and their processes along the way. The very first individual I’d like to highlight is Alessandro Ricchi, known as Reach Paintings. Alessandro lives in Italy (How cool is that?!) and we’ve connected over the past few months and had a lot of conversations about our work, the mindset, and some of the struggles that come with our passions. Most importantly, we’ve encouraged each other along the way. I was so excited when he let me know that one of his recent paintings was actually inspired by a post on Craft Talk! It’s called “The Overthinker” (Which really hits home). When I found out, I knew I had to share it with you all, so I decided to ask him a few questions about it. Please enjoy Alessandro’s thoughts and work!
The Overthinker | 26x20 cm | Acrylic on Paper.
TM (Tito Mendoza): Hey Alessandro! It's so cool that your piece "The Overthinker" was inspired by the page. Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you located, and how long have you been painting?
AR (Alessandro Ricchi): Hey Tito! I was born and raised in Florence, Italy. I currently live in Milan and work for a robotics company. I discovered a profound passion for art in the last 3 years, which finally, in November 2020, lead me to try and express my personality and my feelings through paint and by playing and writing music.
TM : Tell me about the piece "The Overthinker". How did you come up with it?
AR : The idea came to me while listening to your podcast and participating in your page's Instagram Live, as I felt the amount of subjects your mind was turbinating around.
In fact, one could almost feel those thoughts pop out of nowhere, which is why for this painting, I let the colours fall on the canvas from up above, and only afterwards I moved them around. Moved them with a scalpel, not with a brush, cause I saw how a "random" idea is then carefully carried out by a methodic way of thinking. Methodic, precise, but nonetheless rich of creativity, sometimes hidden, sometimes quite shiny, just as the silver paint that I used as background for this piece (which I'm afraid it's hard to see in a photo, but stands out when you see it in person).
TM : Do you have any tips for someone who would want to try getting into what you do?
AR : To those who want to try something alike, I'd surely advise just to... get to it!
One of the greatest obstacles in life, is just ourselves. It's our natural laziness that keeps us thinking about some project for months or even years before we finally do something about it. So my suggestion is, for the example of painting: buy some basic colours and a few brushes, and just start. Start understanding the way the brushes capture and release the paint, to see how the paper/canvas reacts to them, and start to realize which is your style. You will very soon feel if it's something that fullfils you, something you can use to relax, or to express yourself.
TM : What is something that you're currently working on to get better at?
AR : I'm currently dedicating myself to finding new specific techniques to find my own way of making a painting;
To discover some trait that could set me apart from other artists.
“The Overthinker” is a perfect representation of a lot of our minds. I love the intentionality of using a scalpel instead of a brush to emote the quick, sharp, randomness of the ideas that come with overthinking. Knowing that little fact about his process, gives so much more insight into the heart of the painting. My favorite aspect of this piece is that although being an overthinker can feel hectic and all over the place, Alessandro’s painting shares that in the midst of the chaos, there is still something profound, rich, and ultimately beautiful within it. If you’re an overthinker like myself, this piece is a great reminder! Amazing work Alessandro!
Be sure to check out and support Alessandro’s work on Instagram @reachpaintings or check out his website!
Would you like to be highlighted on the Craft Talk website? Reach out to me directly and let’s chat!
