March 20, 2023

Women’s Month Highlight: Local artist, Randi O’Sullivan

Randi O’Sullivan is an Outer Banks artist based in the town of Rodanthe. And Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to carry three of her designs on our products! Randi’s art is inspired by the beauty of the Outer Banks, her journey through motherhood and her love for mermaids, garnering herself the nickname “mermama with a paintbrush”. Her two young children often inspire her designs. And she uses her art to promote love and acceptance of others who may be different from us.

Mermaid Mandala Easy Flier

photo credit: Randi O'Sullivan Instagram @randiosullivan_art

Randi is also an advocate for those underrepresented in society. She strives to use her art to bring attention to their voices. Her designs often incorporate themes of inclusivity and diversity, reflecting her values of equality and understanding.

Apart from her art, Randi is also a deadhead and lives by the phrase,

“Once in a while, you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”

This philosophy speaks to her belief in living in the present, keeping an open mind, and embracing life’s adventures as they come.

Whale Hello Garden Flag

photo credit: Randi O'Sullivan Instagram @randiosullivan_art

Hatteras Sunset House Flag

photo credit: Randi O'Sullivan Instagram @randiosullivan_art

Overall, Randi O’Sullivan is an inspiring artist and advocate for love, acceptance, and inclusivity. Her art reflects her values and serves as a reminder to embrace life with an open heart and mind.

You can find additional art products and stickers in seagreen gallery, Vineyards on the Scuppernong, Blue Pelican Gallery, Waves Market and online through her website https://randiosullivan.com/.

An Interview with Randi

What inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve dreamt of being an artist for as long as I can remember.

When my then boyfriend, now husband, and I moved from Baltimore to Hatteras Island back in 2012, I didn’t have a job lined up. So it ended up being the perfect opportunity for me to really dive into creating and selling my art. The inspiration here is just so plentiful.

I then started participating in art shows around the Outer Banks, made a website, started getting my work into galleries and even organized art shows here in Rodanthe for over 5 years.

Moving to the Outer Banks was really the catalyst for my “art career.” I don’t think I ever thought I could realistically make this passion my full time job prior to that.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Bel Air, Maryland – a small town about 25 minutes from Baltimore. So, pretty much, total opposite of here.

I lived in Baltimore City with my then boyfriend, now husband for a couple years before we decided we just wanted a change in early 2012. We couldn’t decide between the mountains or the beach so we literally flipped a coin. We packed up and left everything and everyone we knew to start a new adventure together. Moved to Rodanthe in the dead of winter. It was like a ghost town but we were so happy in our little cottage by the beach. We’ve since both started our own businesses, gotten married, bought a home and have had two kids. This life we have built is crazy and amazing and we are so blessed.

What’s a challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career?

I think just having to put myself out there has always been difficult for me. It’s a vulnerable feeling to put something that you’ve poured your heart into out there for strangers to see.

That, and just the business-side of things. The painting part is a dream, but it’s really a small part of the whole picture, so to speak. Taxes, photographing and posting work, website management, packaging and shipping, varnishing, assembling, social media, gallery stocking, emails, et. Trying to balance all of that while also being home with my kids and maintain some level of sanity… it’s a lot haha

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs?

Just keep creating! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – someone, somewhere will love what you’re doing. Try new things! Never Stop learning! Don’t compare yourself to others!