It’s not uncommon for those in the creative sectors of our communities to have strong connections across and between those who are active professionally or as avocations. Ideally, those individuals and related institutions work together to share financial and other resources.

In south-central Pennsylvania, one of those connective arms is the Cultural Alliance of York County, a regional supportive force in helping to fund artists, arts organizations, community events, and much more.

Rita Whitney, The Cultural Alliance’s Director of Communications, lets us take a peek into her own artistic background in this Creator Five.

1) Whitney, primarily working as an oil painter, shares some thoughts with us regarding a common misunderstanding about her approach.

“I lean more towards the abstract rather than realistic, and often the assumption is that an abstract painter does so because they don’t have the skill to paint realism, which is so far from the truth. I just find realism a bit boring and so don’t choose it. This goes along with the “well I could do that” mentality about non-objective or abstract art, but the real question isn’t “Could you do it?”, but “Would you?”

Regarding her most productive time, she shares, “I’m just generally a morning person and find it easiest to focus then. Also when I’m bored and my brain actually has space to think about a concept or idea.”

2) Inspiration for visual artists doesn’t have to spring from others in the field.

“Since I was a kid I’ve felt a bizarre connection to Robin Williams. He’s the only celebrity I’ve ever cried over passing away. The work he makes is so consistently genuine. He’s unapologetic for his humor, and he knew himself so deeply as he struggled with his health that he knew and was prepared when it was time for him to leave this earth. He gave everything to his art, to make others laugh, and I truly think of him often.”

Musical influences also contribute; Rita continues, “This is really tough, but I’m going to say Frank Turner if I have to pick just one. He has punk/metal roots but has softened a bit as time goes on, while still staying true to his angsty roots. I recommend starting with “Photosynthesis.”

Or that spark very well might be from a trip. “Literally anywhere I can get on my motorcycle. I’m lucky to ride with an incredible group of women who like to ride out to beautiful hiking spots or just to go get ice cream.”

3) That frozen dessert brings up the trivial but fun aspects of individuals we like to note during our Creator Five series. She’s happy to have chocolate lava cake or a spicy buffalo chicken sandwich if that ice cream is available.

She may focus on a recently acquired unique item at her desk. “I purchased an electrocuted sphere from King’s Courtyard about a year or so ago, with a hand-carved stand. It might be my favorite piece of art I own; I like to hold it and just feel powerful and connected.”

4) If that brings a connection to her younger self, she’d remind herself, “The idea of being a Starving Artist is bullshit, believing that will only hold you back from living with abundance and believing that you deserve it.”

And for all of us involved in creative fields, “You need to surround yourself with people who are better than you at whatever your medium us. It’s too easy to fall into complacency or constant optimistic feedback loop if we are only getting feedback from our family who love you and artists who perhaps look up to you. We must have critical conversation to wrestle with to make us better.”

5) As one of our connective forces, Whitney observes, “It’s my absolute honor to get to work with the Cultural Alliance of York County, an organization that absolutely does not settle. We give our all, go above and beyond, and if something doesn’t work we tear it down and start again. It’s how I like to live my own life, so to be part of an organization that holds those same values is a privilege.”

October is Artober for the Cultural Alliance of York County! If you are able and interested, contributions to the Cultural Alliance are reinvested in our communities through the artistic hands of our creatives. For more information on contributing, visit the website here at your convenience.

All works copyright Rita Whitney and/or Andrew T. Smith