Caitlin Tripp’s Colorful World of Cosmic Whimsy

This July, Groundwork Gallery is thrilled to showcase Lost in Space, an imaginative and joy-filled exhibition by Caitlin Tripp, a multimedia artist based in Fall River, MA. Best known for her bold acrylic paintings, Caitlin brings together unexpected elements: astronauts, animals, fruits, veggies, and giant lollipops..inviting viewers to embrace their inner dreamer.

From an early age, Caitlin felt a deep connection to art, and that passion has only grown stronger with time. Whether she’s experimenting with pencil sketches, vibrant markers, or her go-to acrylics, her work radiates curiosity, humor, and heart. “To still have art in my life is truly something I cherish,” she says.

What materials do you work with?

I work with mostly acrylic paint! My favorite is the Liquitex heavy body acrylic paint. I also enjoy topping off my paintings with Posca marker to really make the colors pop!

Tell us about your current body of work. What motivated it?  

I revisited this concept of space and space lollipops about 7 years ago but the idea originated from when I was in high school. I was interested in surrealism at the time and thought it would be cool to put Buzz Aldrin on a huge lollipop instead of a moon. I felt the moon and a lollipop had similar textures and just simply thought it would be a cool mashup. And I’ve continued with this theme ever since.

Do you work full-time as an artist or do you wear other hats?

I am a part time artist but I’m also the lead vocalist of an alternative rock cover band called Vinyl Girl! I am also a nanny and now a new mom. My baby boy was born on February 27th!

How do you integrate art into your life and other responsibilities? 

I find time wherever I can. When I get my other responsibilities done first, then I can make the time to create. My schedule is flexible enough where I can use a lot of my time to make art.

How has your art practice evolved over the years? 

I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder. I’ve been able to keep up with my inventory in regards to prints, cards, stickers, buttons and coloring pages. These things are my most sold items. I take more care in my originals now, making sure they have hardware and are varnished to ensure the painting can be enjoyed for years to come. 

What or who inspires you? 

People inspire me! Color inspires me. I get excited when I see animals (or pictures of animals) and ask myself, “Can this animal go to space? How can I put an astronaut helmet on this animal?” Also, when I create an astronaut painting, a lot of times the background is from salvaged paint which makes the painting fun and original.

Who are some of your favorite artists?  

Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and also some local artists that have influenced me and my art. Mark “Maki” Carvalho, Jim Charette and Alison Wells to name a few!

How is community important to you as a practicing artist? 

It is very important! We all need support and encouragement, especially within the artist community. We are all in different parts of our journey. I’m always happy to help another artist out with whatever they need and vice versa. 

What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist?  

SALES! If I’m not at a market, it’s really hard for me to sell my art. I do better when I’m talking to my customers directly. It would be nice one day to have more of an online presence.

What are your goals for the future?

To be able to sell my art online and not have to rely on in-person markets. Create more original art!

Where can people find and connect with you (in person or online):

• Buy my art online: www.artbycaitlin.com
• Facebook and Instagram: @artbycaitlin730 (just find the pink lollipop!)

Lost in Space, on view at Groundwork Gallery from July 1–31. We invite everyone to meet the artist at her Opening Reception on Saturday, July 12th, from 5:00–7:00pm. Free and open to the public!

Visit the show during our self-guided art tour hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–2:00pm).