Meet Artist of the Month Rica Trejo

It is amazing to me to hear stories from individuals I meet at markets. To know what inspired them and their craft. To see the way they manipulate their medium, whether it is paint, beads, or yarn! This month, I introduce you to Rica Trejo. She is a Mexican artist who creates whimsical figures with yarn. She sells her work at Smiley’s Flea Market and also at local markets in Asheville and beyond. Read ahead to learn more about her inspiration, background, and other hobbies.

You can give her a follow on Instagram at: @creaciones_rickys

Or Visit her on Facebook at Creations Rickys

Carolina: What inspires your work?

Rica: Everything began during the pandemic when the company where I worked shut down and I was left unemployed. I was at home, saw that I had some yarn and I began to knit. One day I asked myself why I wanted so many knit pieces and my daughter brought up the idea of selling them. We didn’t take into account the season and began to sell knit hats and face masks at the flea market right at the end of fall when it was freezing out. At first it was very difficult since it was the slowest time for sales and the cold was not on our side. Once winter ended, we decided we needed to make something different. We began to focus on crochet figures. Now, we have a large variety of products that are all handmade by my daughter and I. She has inspired me. 

Carolina: What’s your cultural background

Rica: I was born in a small town in Mexico. Now I live in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina that have become my home. 
 
Carolina: What are your hobbies outside of art

Rica: I love plants. I dedicate my free time to fixing up my garden, it relaxes me.