about Grace Rita


Grace Rita is an artist based in Sheffield, though she originally hails from rural Cambridgeshire. Her artistic journey began at a young age when she started receiving art lessons from her grandmother, whose early teachings have had a lasting influence on Grace’s development. From the outset, Grace was shown the importance of art, and over time, it became clear that a creative career was her true calling.

Initially, Grace considered a career in fashion, and much of her early work was inspired by fashion editorial photography. However, after learning to sew, she quickly realized that fashion wasn’t the path for her. When she moved on to A-Levels, Grace had the good fortune to be guided by exceptional teachers—Mr. Walker, Mrs. Fearing, and Mrs. Bamford—who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and explore new avenues of creativity. With their support, Grace found herself diving deeper into the world of fine art, ultimately earning an A* in A-Level Art and going on to pursue a Fine Art degree in Sheffield.

Since studying in Sheffield, Grace’s practice has been deeply influenced by the city’s art scene. The urban environment has provided her with a wealth of inspiration, often influencing her work in ways she doesn’t always consciously recognize. Sheffield is home to a dynamic and supportive network of artists, and Grace is proud to contribute her voice to this thriving creative community.

meaning & process

There are many elements that subconsciously feed into Grace’s practice. She often works instinctively, allowing the artwork to guide her to the next step. For Grace, painting is a constant dialogue—a fight for control between herself and the materials. It’s like having a conversation, where the more she engages, the more she uncovers.
Grace draws inspiration from everything around her. There is never a singular source of inspiration; rather, she collects resources from a wide range of places—everything from her own photographs to inanimate objects. She dissects these subjects, breaking them apart and reconstructing them in a way that feels intuitive to her.
Grace is often working on multiple pieces at once, allowing ideas to flow from one artwork to the next. This approach feels most natural to her. The often overwhelming compositions in her work are an outward projection of her mind. Leaving space for interpretation is crucial to Grace; she wants her works to be experienced and digested in diverse ways. She enjoys seeing how her audience perceives her work, finding themselves within the chaos of her style.

the present 

 Grace is currently working full-time as a freelance artist, taking on commissions and selling her artworks. She is excited to be embarking on her first solo exhibition with Secret Gallery, an exclusive one-night-only showcase at the Yorkshire Artspace Exchange. This exhibition will feature a collection of her latest work, offering a unique opportunity for people to experience her evolving practice in a more personal, immersive setting.
"I want to create a platform where I can support other emerging creatives and be a guiding presence for them. I didn’t initially realise that this would be my path, but now that I’m on it, I truly love it. I want to share my passion for art and help others discover their own creative journeys."

Grace