Final answer:
Ricky values the communicative element and transformative nature of his artwork, envisaging a rebirth from the metaphorical ashes of his paintings and seeking direct emotional engagement with his audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ricky appears to believe it is important for his artwork to initiate a cycle of creation and destruction, a concept reminiscent of the Phoenix rising from the ashes. This process of 'losing life to save it' indicates that Ricky sees his artwork as a transformational entity, open to becoming new materials or ideas once it has been reduced to dust. Additionally, Ricky, similar to other artists mentioned, like Robert Rauschenberg and Claes Oldenberg, values the importance of communicating directly and effectively through his artworks. He wants viewers to feel the emotion behind his works, which are a response to and a witness of their time, capturing the urban landscape in a way that is accessible and relatable to a broad audience.
Furthermore, Ricky also aligns with ideas presented by Gregor, who believes that art is a spiritual necessity and the creative spirit connects people across time. For artists like Rauschenberg and Gregor, the interplay between art and life is crucial, and Ricky's approach to art seems to embody this philosophy by ensuring his works are material and emotionally communicative components of the human experience.