Rickena was trained by a family of artists from her early childhood.  June Reed Swad, her mother who studied at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan was her biggest influence.  June was a local artist in the Metropolitan area who created and displayed artwork in a multitude of venues including the State Fair, the Detroit Zoo, malls, and many other local establishments.  Rickena traveled regularly to events observing her mother in action with clients’ portrait sittings and caricature art shows. Rickena learned how to draw faces, blend colors, create cartoon caricature art, and many other techniques. She received private lessons on creating portraits, abstracts, animal paintings along with the anatomy drawings of the human body.  She gleaned and perfected these teachings over many, many years.

In addition, Rickena learned from aunts and uncles who were talented artists providing different insights into her artistic journey. These connections contributed to Rickena’s style as a versatile artist who enjoys creating multi-media that crosses all cultural barriers. She enjoys changing up her style and techniques as she continues to explore her artistic journey. Rickena’s works of art demonstrate the remarkable power of self-discovery and her insatiable hunger for self-expression. Her works have been featured and sold at various locations throughout the Cincinnati, Ohio Area.

She has a BS with a major in Accounting, a Master’s in Business Administration, with a major in Management. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She is supported by her loving husband Walter and three amazing children, Taylor, Tyler and Trevor.

Rickena is driven by the joy art brings to others and the therapeutic affect she experiences within. She explains it this way: “If my work can bring a little light to someone and can touch people from all walks of life…if it can create a spirit of unity even if it’s just for a moment, then I’ve achieved my purpose”.