Deana rivera

February 10, 2026
By: Nick Supernova

What makes it so special to be from your hometown?

I’m from a small town called Rockledge on the border of Northeast Philadelphia. I had easy  access to the city and spent a lot of time there. I went to a great high school with an amazing art program which helped nurture me as an artist. 

What about PHILLY, if anything, influences your style?

I’ve always loved Hip Hop culture, graffiti, breakin’ and city life. I took the train often and looking at the work on my way really inspired me. I had sketchbooks of graffiti pieces, but never really carried one out until later in life. It’s not my gift, but I will always love it and be inspired by it. 

How long have you been creating art through painting? Where did you get the influence from to start painting POrtraits of rappers?

I decided I wanted to be an artist when I was in the 10th grade. I waited until the last minute to get into college but was able to get into Temple University, Tyler School of Art. My love for hip hop started at an early age. I was always a lover of beats and especially of dance. My first love of Hip Hop were with the groups, ‘Pharcyde’ and then ‘De La Soul.’ I started doing rapper portraits a few years ago. I’m an elementary art teacher and had to cover in the music class one day when the music teacher was out. She had portraits of classical composers on the wall. I immediately thought my music class would be different if I was the teacher. I went to a Griselda concert and started painting portraits the next day. It was only going to be my top 5. I kept painting and never stopped. 

Do you practice other art mediums? If so, can you elaborate about it?

 I incorporate 3D elements into my work. I was inspired to do this because I come from a family of builders. I love a good challenge. In College, I started as a Metal/Jewelry major but switched to painting when I realized I don’t wear that much jewelry and I wasn’t about the tedious nature of jewelry making. Painting is more my style and has really become my passion. 

When did you start your artist career professionally?

As an Art School student, my dream was to graduate, and live in a studio apartment in NYC and sell paintings. About my junior year, reality set in. I made the decision to stay an extra year and get my teaching certificate. I started with my first teaching job in 2001. I’ve always had side hustles focused around my art. As my kids started to grow older I found that time opened up for me to do more for myself. I have painted and drawn so much. I truly believe I have come into my own over the last few years. 

What about your city/country, if anything, influences your style?

I’ve always loved Hip Hop culture, graffiti, Breakin’ and city life. I took the train often and looking at the work on my way really inspired me. I had sketchbooks of graffiti pieces, but never really carried one out until later in life. It’s not my gift, but I will always love it and be inspired by it.

Tell us what influences your creative process?

My creative process…..inspiration, music, meeting people, and conversations. I’ve always been a fan of music in general since I was little. Sometimes I’ll see someone perform at a show and know I want to paint them. I listen to rap when I paint mostly. Conway the Machine’s music has helped me get a lot of work done. I find an image I’m into, buy a canvas, and then I get lost in the act of painting. My kids told me I reach “Flow State” when I paint. I can’t even tell you my creative process for applying paint. It’s sort of a musical flow in a way like I’m conducting music but with a paint brush.  I paint a ton of layers. I constantly compare the painting to the person I’m painting to make sure it looks like them. My favorite part is finishing it off with details such as 3D additions or embellishments. 

What is your favourite sneakers/brand of sneakers? Why?

Jordans. All day every day. I’m not a collector as much as a buyer and wearer. I have 14 pairs of Jordan 1s and wear them every day. I’ll wear New Balances sometimes but mostly I’m a Jordan 1 fan. I love the Retro Highs. I love the balanced design and the colorways.

What/who inspires your artistic style?

I’m for sure inspired by Jean Michel Basquiat. I took my daughter to a show in Chelsea and saw how much work he did. He was always creating. That stuck with me. He was authentic to himself and what he believed in. He also had a consistent style. The reason I began doing portraits is because they are the hardest thing to do. So many people paint portraits that don’t look like who they are painting. It’s tedious. I had a professor who was a master at them and she passed. I felt inspired by her and wanted to carry that torch.

Where are/is the most impactful/inspiring place(s) you have visited locally? Why?

New York city is the most inspirational place I have visited as an artist and Hip Hop fan. It’s the Mecca. We have always been taught that New York is the center of the art world and if you were able to be a successful artist there, you could be one anywhere. I’m always inspired by the art on buildings, trains, graffiti, fashion, and style. 

What independent music artists/DJs are you currently listening to?

I’m always a Griselda fan. Conway, Benny, Westside Gunn, Rome Streetz, 38 Spesh, Dave East, Flee Lord, Chase Fetti, Rick Hyde, Elcamino…. The list goes on. I’m also a huge Styles P fan. Northside Lord is amazing. He should be on everyone’s rap playlist in my opinion. 

Who’s an artist people should look out for?

Northside Lord, K-Prez. Those two have something special. There are so many rappers out there that it gets overwhelming. These two are great. Northside Lord is a painter too. Check out his work!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I’m a natural born hustler. I see myself doing more and more. My goal is to do Art Basel, have a big solo exhibition, and maybe make a bag or two. I also would love to travel. I still have years left to teach. I love the kids. I want to keep climbing the ladder of success for my painting career. 

Where would you like to see your WORK featured or displayed? Is there someone or somewhere you dream of commissioning for? 

I would love to do Art basel in Miami. Of course anyone who commissions me I really appreciate but the artists that love Art the most, if they asked me, I’d be geeked. Jay-Z and Westside Gunn. Westside Gunn was sent a painting of mine but I’d love to do more for him. I’m blessed to have a lot of my work in Yonkers at a place called the Hippie Cafe as a semi-permanent installation. I have so many paintings I could probably fill a warehouse.