Much of Ricky Hunt’s work is influenced by Egyptian hieroglyphics, graffiti, and his tumultuous past. After a brief period of drug addiction in the 1980s he was
incarcerated which led to the discovery of his artistic talent and personal transformation through the love of art.
Hunt began to teach himself to draw in 1995. Nine months later Tiger Woods' father Earl, commissioned a pastel portrait which he described as "The best portrait of Tiger ever painted". Hunt is inspired by philosophy, mathematics, scientific theory, poetry, and astronomy and these themes appear in his work repeatedly.
The lively designs with which he covers each canvas flow from him like a melody. The harmony of the overall composition finds its way through his intricate markings into a cohesive visual statement. Hidden in the patterns and markings are limitless points of interest, constantly revealing new meanings.
Inspired by string art’s mathematical origins, his hyperrealistic portraits are created using string and nails only. Meticulously winding single lengths of black thread around thousands of nails on a white wood panel results in a captivating, three-dimensional artwork.