There is no doubt we human as social beings love to express ourselves. Art has more impact as compared to mere words. Same philosophy can be seen in Dr. Richmond’s art. According to her "For me, painting is my way of expressing how I feel having a Learning Disability. Painting helps me show what it feels like in ways words never could."​ Her creative and expressive art can be easily seen in LD and Identity Series paintings which deal with a Learning Disability.

Describe your journey how you overcame your learning disabilities? How has art helped you in this process?R: Actually, I don’t believe that I have overcome my disabilities, I’ve just learned to love them. I’m a doctor who teaches. I can’t do math and I typically misspell words when writing. It’s a process. LOL. But understanding myself has been KEY in helping me to be proud of who I am. I stumbled into art by accident. I was trying to get my doctorate and I couldn’t write anymore. Not because writing wasn’t important, but because I purged what I learned and could not retrieve it. I was stressed about the fact that I was spending a lot to get my education and was sure I would fail. I was walking near a paint store and thought I would try to cope by painting. The rest is history.

How did you make your educational journey so successful?R: I’m still working on it. Learning is a lifelong journey, but I think I understand what you asking. The best thing I ever did to help myself was to do all those things that were hard to do. I didn’t know how to write, so I challenged myself to write. I had trouble reading, so I MADE myself read until I liked it. I still have a hard time with math, so I learned enough to get through school and now I treat myself with a calculator. As an autistic individual, I am not good in social situation, so I choke it back, look people in the eye, and step up and introduce myself. Yes, I go home and hide in my private space when it’s over, but at least I know I can do it. Many times people will tell someone with a disability not to worry about doing that thing that is most difficult. I don’t listen to that. I try it and give it my very best and that is the only way I have had any success. Also, I never, ever forget that I am just one person, I could not have done this alone – I had help. So get help. Stay strong. Show some GRIT and power through.

Could you please describe your emotions when you paint? Do you think it is some kind of meditation for you?R: I never know what is happening when I paint. I lay out a large tarp on the floor (or a canvas) and I get a ton of paint next to me. When I pull back, look at what I have done, and take a deep breath, I can finally think about what is happening in the painting. I am always in awe of people who know the direction they are going to take before they take it. I know that I am caught up because I forget about time and space. I have been known to paint from 5am to 11pm and forget to eat.

How long does it take you to paint one art work? When do you get time to paint?R: Most paintings take me about a day. I paint at night and on the weekends after work. I paint during breaks from my school schedule. I have to remind myself that I have a family and sometimes I can’t paint because I will not give my husband and children the quality time they deserve. It can be consuming, so I have to control it and not allow it to control me.

What is your favorite painting from your collection and why?R: I couldn’t pick a favorite, it would be like choosing a favorite child. Every painting is apart of me.

Can you tell us more about your artwork "3rd Planet from the Sun"?R: I painted “3rd Planet from the Sun” because people did not seem to understand what it was like to have a difference in a world full of people who are nueotypical. People kept telling me that I didn’t have disabilities because I was obtaining graduate degrees. People kept saying things like, “You don’t have a disability. Don’t believe those doctors, they just want you to feel bad about yourself.” I kept trying to tell them how much someone like me has to bend and stretch to do things that many people take for granted. They don’t really understand how hard I work and they have no idea that all the educational programs that have designed to help people like me are designed based on people who do not have my same issues. People who are nueotypical and that breaks my heart. All of my life, I have been different. I have to read 4 books to learn what most people get out of one. I have to watch things over and over to get simple hints. I have to write notes, copy books from cover to cover, and take additional notes just to be on the same page as my peers. Just to teach, I needed to get a bachelors degree in communication, get a masters in writing, get a doctorate in education and go back and obtain another masters in education. Most people just get a bachelors degree and take the state test. 3rd Planet was my way of creating my own self-portrait. Shortly after I painted it, I was sitting at the computer writing the President of the United States. Before I knew it, I was mailing a painting to the White House. I hope it did not offend him, but I wanted a visual to go with it. I have no idea if they even showed it to the President, but part of me is sad that it is now gone.

What are your other hobbies?R: I love signing, reading, and I like corny jokes.

Who is your inspiration?R: If I had a bucket, I would put the names of all the people who have inspired me in my life. That bucket would be a mile wide and a mile deep and still not be enough. I am the cumulative result of the best part of God’s humanity.

How can art play an important role for our special children?R: Art helps us see what we struggle to put into words, but it is also that ink that helps us to put the words on the page. Art is as much a part of learning as breathing is to life.

Any special message for our community?R: If I have not said it already, please don’t give up and don’t give in. That is NOT a cliché. If you find yourself looking at a locked door, don’t worry about knocking it down, slide a note under the door and make a friend. Eventually you will find a place that is good for you and all those people you met along the way will come and visit and remind you of how wonderful you are. Never forget to thank people along the way. If someone helps you tie your shoe, tell them how happy it made you. If someone opens a door for you, hugs you when you need it, or “insert nice thing here”, thank them. Last, always look for ways to support others. If you see someone struggling, be that supportive arm. Don’t expect a thank you – just help – you will be surprised at how much helping others takes your mind off of your own problems.

Enjoy Rhonda's favorite artwork - 'The Mask' - "She was for a breast cancer awareness show I did over the summer. Cancer is no respecter of persons. This painting is my way of paying tribute to all of those we love, those we lost, and those who support others that they love."