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Much of my art career began way before social media, and I thought it would be fun to share some of the older Instagramable moments of my past. Here’s a fun biography I wrote. Only my closest friends know this stuff. Until now.

Rita Vindedzis is primarily a self-taught artist and has been involved in art-making for much of her life. The daughter of professional artists, Rita’s earliest influences began in childhood as she watched her mother and father bring their artistic visions to life. Inspired by the creativity that seemed to permeate virtually every aspect of family life, Rita began to pursue her own creative abilities through formal studies. In her second year at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD), feeling restless, trapped and uninspired by the faculty, she left the college to make her own way as an artist.

Rita spent a decade as a free spirit travelling and pursuing an artistic life. She created her own line of hand-painted silk scarves, t-shirts and kimonos, a line of one-of-a-kind silk in acrylic jewelry, and paintings on silk. Rita exhibited and sold her collection at art and craft shows and boutiques throughout Ontario and New York. Always inspired and wanting to keep things fresh she started “Planter’s Punch” her own line of hand-painted terracotta pots. Custom hand-painted walls and murals were created for a few select clients. As many artists do, Rita worked for years in the retail industry and also as a framer in an upscale art/framing shop.

In true RomCom fashion, Rita met the love of her life, also a creative, working at one of the top ad agencies of that time. They soon married and a few years later Rita focused all her time and energy on raising their son. She considered this her only and most important job. Never losing love for her art, Rita enjoyed this time immensely and volunteered at her son’s preschool teaching art and crafts. The day that her son started grade one Rita decided that she would not work for anyone again other than herself. She began painting again and signed up for her first in a long line of art shows. In 2003, she exhibited her original paintings at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition where two local galleries scouted her.

Many years later, Rita is still painting and exhibiting her original paintings. She does not limit her creativity and moves from one dynamic series to the next. Her work has appeared in Canadian House and Home, Style at Home, and Chatelaine magazines, and on national television programs including Save My Reno with Samantha Pynn, CityLine, Income Property, Property Brothers, Steven and Chris, Suits, Design Inc. Designer Guys, Designated Survivor, Divine Design, and Canadian Idol. Her work hangs in numerous private and corporate collections such as Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden, Television Host Ben Mulroney, The Right Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Colour & Style Expert Sharon Grech, Jamie Alexander Design, blackDot.ca, Candescent Creative, Greenhouse Engineering, Clearwater Creative, Harbour Landing Business Park, and A&L Engraving.