aboutjohn

Name: John Rickey

Birthday: April 4th

College: Humboldt State Univ.

Major: Psychology

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Book: Surf USA

Favorite Movie: Step Into Liquid

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Quote: Surf’s up!

John Wesley Rickey was born in Los Angeles and was very fortunate to grow up on the Palos Verde Peninsula surfing the big waves. That gave him a love and appreciation of the ocean and nature, that is very evident in the paintings, poetry, and songs that he creates. He comes from a long line of artists, engineers, and musicians. His namesake, Great Grandfather John Wesley Rickey, was an engineer in charge of the construction of the State Capitol in Austin, Texas and helped design the Erie Canal. His father was an engineer at Rockwell International and holds a patent on the wing pivot of the B-1 Bomber. His mother began hand painting decorative plates as a young adult and continues to paint in various media in her home in Port Townsend, Washington. Her father painted water colors and was a musician in the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

John is self taught. He began painting as a result of the inspiration and encouragement he received from the artists he met during his numerous trips to Hawaii. Such artists as Robert Thomas in Kona and father and son, Edgardo and Walfrido Garcia on Oahu exemplify the aloha spirit in their work and lives. Each of these excellent artists took the time to share their love of painting with John. Robert is the one who saw John's first colored pencil drawings and told him he should try painting. Edgardo saw John's first paintings and told him to continue with his unique style. Walfrido invited John into his studio and swapped surfing stories while sharing some inspiring painting techniques.

John lives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii with his school teacher wife, Patricia. They have one daughter, Jennifer Leighann. After spending 10 years traveling to Hawaii from Seattle on vacations they consider themselves blessed to finally be living in paradise. John is also writing a science fiction novel and sings his own song compositions. He and his wife were owner/builders on their very large two story house here in Kona. John also started their Usana Health Sciences business of nutritional supplements. Usana means true health in Greek and John is a living example, since he is still surfing the big waves here in Kona.