A native Texan, the multi-talented artist has reached people from across the globe with his works.

“The term ‘renaissance man’ is always bandied about,” said American musician, singer-songwriter, DJ, and photographer Moby. "I don’t think that applies to me. You think about Leonardo da Vinci, and he was a painter, a physicist, and an architect, and that is a true renaissance man."

If Moby met Ricky Tims, he might place him alongside da Vinci as "a true renaissance man.” Tims’ journey to becoming a polymath began as a musician. Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1956, Tims started taking music lessons at age 3. His enduring affection for the art, nurtured through childhood and adolescence, eventually led him to study music at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, after which he became a keyboardist for a touring band. In 1988, Tims moved to St. Louis, where he established himself as a successful freelance music producer.

While in the “Show-Me State,” he created commercials, jingles, and film scores for famed companies like Busch, Ralston Purina, and Monsanto. Tims also produced several albums and conducted orchestras and concerts, including one with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Voices United Chorus.

Capriccio Quilt by Ricky Tims

Transitioning to Quilting

In 1991, driven by a desire for new creative challenges, Tims ventured into quilt design, making a seamless transition from music to fabric. He quickly gained recognition as a trendsetter in the quilting community, with pioneering techniques like “Locomotion” and “Quilting Caveman Style” that highlighted his artistic flair and commitment to innovation. His passion for the craft was so profound that he soon became a prolific quilter.

“As a beginner quilter, I eagerly absorbed every technique I could, creating 27 quilts in my first year,” Tims said. “While working as a freelance music producer, I became obsessed with quilting, refining techniques, and letting designs evolve naturally. My creative mind is brimming with more quilt ideas than I could ever execute in a lifetime. When starting a new quilt, I may draw from lingering inspirations, but more often, it becomes a completely new creation, driven by spontaneity and unpredictability.“

While still managing his booming music career, Tims delivered a noteworthy lecture, “The Music in My Quilt,” where he delved into the intriguing parallels between music composition and quilt design, further cementing his reputation in the quilting world.

Contemplating his journey and the influences that shaped his path, Tims shared, “In the quilting world, several individuals have significantly influenced me. Suzanne Marshall from St. Louis was not only a friend but also a vital source of inspiration. Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry’s work has left a lasting impression on my artistry, while Libby Lehman, an exceptional teacher and quilter, has shaped my perspective with her expertise.”

Kool Kaleidescope III by Ricky Tims