Richard Bargdill, Literature

Biography/Artist's Statement

My art ideas mainly come from my background in psychology. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and I am currently an associate professor of psychology at St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. During my education, I began having ideas about various art pieces that related to issues of identity, self-exploration, and obstacles toward personal growth. Because I mainly used descriptive research method at grad school I initially became interested in poetry. I wrote prolifically, but published only a few poems. As my poetry changed from free verse to rhyme, a natural transition took me into music. I learned to play guitar as an avenue to write songs. I’ve written over 40 songs—none that you have made the radio. In the last four years, I have become more involved in the visual arts and have won several awards at regional shows for my abstract or conceptual pieces. Finally, two years ago, I founded the Ebensburg Art Alliance. This group of artists meets monthly to discuss and promote the arts in our region.