Rhiannan Sibbald says she’s one of those textbook stories of someone who’s been artist their whole life, and she owes that to her parents.
“If someone tells you that you're a certain thing long enough, you will start to believe them, so I had no choice but to pursue art professionally.”
Sibbald studied illustration at Grand Valley, not really knowing where it would take her. Now, she has work around West Michigan, including murals both indoors and out. If you see bright, colorful, playful public art with an innate sense of movement, that might just be Sibbald’s.
We asked Sibbald to talk about her path as an artist, and what’s next.
Where did your journey as an artist take you through and out of college?
After graduation from Grand Valley, I took the “safe” route and jumped into some graphic design roles, designing tee shirts, billboards, web ads and so on, but I knew I had to take a risk on myself and try art full time, working for myself. I had a little nest egg from my agency job at the time, so I lived off that for the first year, doing commissions and a few small murals. I landed a spot at Bright Walls Festival in Jackson, and my career in murals really started snowballing after that. The past two years I have fallen in love with murals, and how I get to travel, meet new people and immerse myself in the communities that I paint in. I am so blessed. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
What imagery and themes inspire you?
I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, high contrast colors, sharp lines, and bold shapes. I’m a hippie at heart, so images like the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, John Alcorn’s psychedelic advertisements and expressive lettering from old album covers got me started on my artistic journey. Cute animals, flowers, rainbows, sparkles and smiles; anything that adds fun and whimsy to this life is inspiring to me.
What do you hope the viewer comes away with?
The short answer is joy. Though this wasn’t my first intention, people have told me my art reminds them of being a kid. I’ve always felt a little awkward around kids, not knowing what to say or do. After I started making lots of art, I've noticed that this is my vessel to interact with them. My art celebrates the magical things in life, the tiny joys we tend to overlook as we grow up. I like to create spaces that evoke curiosity, where everyone can be what they want to be and have the best day ever. It’s been therapeutic to connect with my inner child, and I hope viewers can also come away with this experience.
Can you describe a bit of your process?
Oh, I am the most type A artist you will ever find. My client relationships follow a structured process from start to finish. We start with a conversation, followed by moodboards and a written statement of intent. Then I provide a few detailed renderings. The final artwork will look almost exactly like the rendering. Sometimes I wish I was more go-with-the-flow, but being organized and calculated has really helped with the business side of things.
What have you done recently that you’re proud of?
I actually just finished my first vertical wall mural in Grand Rapids! You can find it on the side of Chartreuse Sisters on Wealthy Street. We’ve been working on bringing this to fruition for over a year, and it's actually an ArtPrize entry as well. This will be my first time participating, so that's huge for me. This mural is about the sacred bond of sisterhood; I am the oldest sister of four and I was inspired by the Chartreuse Sisters’ story. It's a more complex theme than my usual work, so it’s been a fun challenge.
What are you looking forward to doing in the future?
Right now my work exists mostly in West and Central Michigan, but I would love to paint more murals all over the country. I also have a dream of hosting a mural festival in my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. I want to eventually serve as an educator or mentor to young artists. As long as I am uplifting communities through art, then I am serving my purpose.
Do you feel like Grand Rapids is a good place to be an artist?
It has certainly served me well over the last few years. I think it’s a great place to get your feet wet and start a career in the arts. The community is so open and welcoming, and many seasoned artists don’t mind sharing their insider secrets. There are also so many opportunities to network at events, gallery openings and art markets. Many municipalities have strict laws regulating public art, but Grand Rapids is very open-minded in regards to this. There’s also a huge list of people I could thank that have granted me with connections or opportunities over the years, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. People appreciate artists here.
Where can people see your art?
Some of my older murals in Grand Rapids include the event lot at 555 Monroe next to the skate park, a ticket booth in between Van Andel Arena and Studio Park, a storm drain mural in front of Rockford Construction, and three scooter parking zones along Butterworth Street. My recent murals in Grand Rapids include a mini wall at Kent District Library’s Comstock Park Branch and the new mural at Chartreuse Sisters. I also painted a bunch of installations at Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum in Albion and Children’s Museum of Branch County in Coldwater, if you are up for a road trip.
You can also browse my work online at rhiannansibbald.com, on Instagram @rhiannansibbald and on Facebook at Rhiannan Sibbald Creative Studio.
