On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to the artist Rita Oates about her fine art prints and greeting cards. Rita shares some fabulous stories about where her greeting cards have gone, and who has received them - including our President Michael D Higgins! She also talks the ups and downs of being self-employed and how a secondary school teacher's words had a huge impact on her outlook on success. 

About Rita Oates

Born in Kansas City, USA the daughter of Irish immigrants Rita's childhood was a rollercoaster ride between the contrasting worlds of a bustling, diverse American city and the quiet solitude of a rural isolated farm on a mountainside in Co. Leitrim. Eventually in the 60s Rita's family moved back to Ireland. 

The contrasts of city and country, of international and rural were enormous and had a profound effect on RIta's life. These experiences gave her an acute awareness of emigration, heritage, a sense of belonging, struggle and friendships. From this background came the inspiration for her art. My work incorporates people, places, memories and struggles, but always embodies hope.

As a big nature lover, sustainability is a key factor in Rita's products. The paper used in her greeting cards is FSC approved, (certified responsibly managed forest) and all packaging comprises recyclable materials.