MIDDLETOWN — Expressionist artist Eddie Rivera has channeled the sometimes harsh criticism he’s received about his work over the years into honing his creativity, and in the process, has become much more accomplished.
This multitalented hip-hop musician and hairstylist at New Style Hair Studio in Meriden is known for his colorful, urban-style, indoor and outdoor designs.
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Meriden artist, hairstylist and hip-hop musician Eddie Rivera recently completed a portion of a giant, floral-themed mural in the back alleyway of 418-20 Main St. in Middletown. From left are portraits of musicians Tupac Shakur, Big Pun, Marc Anthony and Slash.
Eddie Rivera / Contributed photo, Eddie Rivera / Contributed photo
He is in the process of creating a large-scale floral mural on the rear brick facade of the 418-20 Main St. building in Middletown. Large sunflowers, a hummingbird sipping nectar, butterflies and more brighten up the side of the structure and make walking through the alleyway an experience.
The historic surrounding buildings are being transformed into a Fresh Cutz Barbershop, wine bar from the owners of Sicily Coal Fired Pizza next door, ice cream shop and apartments by local developer Dominic DiMartino. They are expected to be open by early December, DiMartino said.
Artist Eddie Rivera of Meriden painted this floral mural in the alleyway between 418 and 420 Main St. in Middletown. It’s seen from the downtown Melilli Plaza parking area.
Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut MediaRivera, a native of Puerto Rico and entirely self-taught, was inspired by his mother’s recent death in designing the mural, which he said, carries a “universal” theme. “Butterflies with flowers and hummingbirds are something that everyone can relate to,” he explained. “It’s dedicated to mothers and grandmothers.”
The mural will eventually have “Middletown” painted at the top.
Rivera said on his website that his art “represents a spectrum of emotions: from pain, struggle, heartbreak and depression to perseverance, inspiration and motivation.”
It is indeed difficult to take criticism, Rivera said, because his work is inspired from deep within.
“The critics help you become better because they tell you what you need to work on. When I was younger, I would draw a face that was too long or the arms too short,” Rivera said. “We need that. As human beings, we need them to tell us when something’s wrong — even though it’s going to hurt your feelings.”
It is difficult to be judged, he added, but such feedback has a way of turning into a positive. “The critics would make fun of my work or tell me that something was off. I would be upset in the beginning and then go home and do better,” Rivera explained.
“In the long run, you’re going to appreciate those moments, even though people are harsh,” the artist said. “They make us who we are. … I’m a better artist because of the critics. … Sometimes they put the battery in your back.”
Rivera is a second-generation hairstylist whose trade was inspired by his father, also a barber. “Ever since I was 12, I was interested in cutting hair.”
“It’s something that’s always been with me, along with art and music,” said Rivera, who produces “motivational” and “inspiring” music.
Art has been Rivera’s lifelong passion, ever since he was introduced to finger painting as a preschooler, he explained. In fact, in middle school, Rivera won scholastic awards for his artistic pieces.
“I went through a little rough patch in my teenage years and gave it up for a little while,” he said, during which he dropped out of high school.
“Art supplies filled the void that was left from not being able to afford the latest toys and video games,” Rivera wrote in his biography. “I love the freedom that art gives you and the bright colors that pop.”
The artist, who works on commission, has painted the likenesses of a few celebrities, and sold large portraits through connections he’s obtained in the industry, he said, as well as a lot of networking.
These large-scale pieces, some three by four feet in size, include New York city rapper Fat Joe, Kevin Liles, former president of Def Jam Recordings; and UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira from Danbury.
He also created an Alice in Wonderland mural in New Britain, painted on a building across from the police station on Chestnut Street. Rivera specializes in “anything that evokes emotion.”
“I like to do things that are relatable,” said Rivera, who paints character murals with the likeness of Sponge Bob, Gumby and Pokey, and Lego figures
His talents are also reflected in his hair designs, Rivera said. “I have fun in the barber shop because I love the atmosphere of meeting new people. That’s where I met a lot of people who helped me become a success in the art and barbering world.”
DeMartino, who has been friends with Rivera for several years, saw examples of Rivera’s street art and was impressed. He said that the artist has been doing a “magnificent job.”
Rivera has shared his work on social media, which enjoyed a “phenomenal response,” DiMartino said.
Once the building’s second-floor deck work is complete, Rivera will be painting a related mural there.
Rivera also sells Lego-like collectible figures that he creates on a 3D printer for $100 apiece. The proceeds are used to give free haircuts to random customers. “I do it for the kids,” he explained. “All kids matter.”
For information, visit Eddienewstyle.com or email eddienewstyle@gmail.com.