Catching up with Riki Tat Tiki

We’re back with another weekly telegram from the Banana Hammock!

This week I’m sharing a throwback of cocktail I made last Christmas. It’s reminding me of a warmer and sunnier time than the current rain and cold outside my window. It wasn’t a particular recipe; but just a few different rums and freshly squeezed juices. Turned out great on a hot day.

Also, I’d like to spice up my cocktail and mug backdrops. If anyone has any pointers on how to get started, please share!

Enough about me, this week I wanted to share a feature on red hot artist: Christine aka Riki Tat Tiki.

Christine’s work has taken the tiki world by storm over the past few months, none more so than her Joe the Suffering Chameleon. I so enjoy Christine’s never ending creativity with her ‘one of one’ versions of Joe. The endless customization options make each piece an intimate and special iteration. Even more recently, she’s begun producing more iterations of her Saturn mug as well. A recent poll on her Instagram suggests she’s even preparing some festive themed Joe’s for the end of year holidays (not just Christmas) so keep your eyes peeled.

JBT: Where are you from?

RTT: Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I grew up 15 mins from the Mai Kai and never got to go (since I got into just Tiki recently).

JBT: How long have you been making pieces?

RTT: Pulled up my earliest photo... looks like my first ceramic piece was back in October 2021. So next month will mark my 2 years of making mugs!

JBT: What are your inspirations for your work?

RTT: My pieces have been all over the place! Skeleton lovers, Severed Wolfhead, Saturn planet, and now a Chameleon! Looking inward, I realize I draw inspiration from names of cocktails, animals of tropical/aquatic nature, and my love for horror and oddities!

JBT: Do you have any new pieces you're excited about?

RTT: I'm pretty excited to make another mug inspired by one of my favorite Tiki Drinks: The Jungle Bird! Another concept I have is a Pufferfish mug where each one is unique and can even be personalized. Lastly, I've had a Krampus mug idea in my head that I've sketched out and I'm just DYING to create.

JBT: What does tiki mean to you?

RTT: Tiki is a great way for us to express ourselves! In the same way that I can express myself by making ceramic mugs. Another person can do the same by crafting a tiki drink! Or by pouring their imagination into their own home bar. All of these are ways to make ART, and by combining everything together: we can all find new friendships and a sense of community by escaping to a tropical get-away together!

Big thanks to Christine for sharing with us, it’s been a joy to watch her develop her work over the past few months. You can follow her socials here: https://www.instagram.com/riki_tat_tiki/ and the website to purchase some of her work here: https://www.rikitattiki.com

And finally, an update from the home studio.

I’m ready to share the work from the studio, but not yet the cocktail that accompanies it. Bear (or should I say crocodile) with me for one more week and I’ll share what we’ve been working on!