Table of Contents
Art Minute
| Title: | Trudy Rice |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 12:00 |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Peter M Lamont |
About Trudy Rice
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a musically inclined family, Trudy Rice's initial creative pursuits were in music, playing guitar and singing. However, a pivotal moment during her teenage years redirected her focus towards visual arts. After a horse-riding accident that resulted in a broken arm, she was unable to collect her end-of-year art projects, leading to their disposal by her teacher. This incident, coupled with her travels and experiences abroad, eventually reignited her passion for art.
Artistic Development and Education
Upon returning to Australia, Rice immersed herself in the fashion industry, working as a model for over two decades. This experience deepened her appreciation for fabric, texture, and colour. Encouraged by her husband, she resumed her artistic journey, enrolling in part-time art courses where she discovered printmaking. Due to her lifelong battle with eczema, she sought non-toxic methods, leading her to solar plate etching—a technique that uses sunlight and water instead of traditional acids and solvents.
Major Works and Exhibitions
Rice has exhibited extensively across Australia. Notable exhibitions include "Divine Creatures" at the New England Contemporary Print Gallery in August 2022 and participation in the "Eltham Art Show" in September 2022. Her work has also been showcased at the "The Other Art Fair" in Melbourne and the "OMNIA Art Prize" at St Kevin's in May 2022. In 2023, she was a finalist in several prestigious awards, including the Burnie Print Prize and the Castlemaine Museum Experimental Print Prize.
Style and Technique
Rice's art is characterised by her use of solar plate etching, a non-toxic printmaking method that aligns with her environmental ethos. She begins with detailed drawings of natural specimens, which are then exposed onto solar plates using sunlight. These plates are inked and printed onto sustainable cotton rag paper, often involving multiple layers and runs through the press to achieve depth and vibrancy. Her work often features Australian native flora, such as the Banksia, capturing their diverse colours and textures.
Legacy and Influence
Beyond her artistic practice, Rice is dedicated to education and community engagement. She teaches both children and adults, emphasising that "nothing is a mistake" in art, encouraging exploration and expression. She has also collaborated on various projects, transferring her art onto products like wallpaper and fabric, and has been involved in public artworks, including a 109-meter mural at the Blacktown Acute Mental Health Hospital in Sydney. Her commitment to non-toxic printmaking and environmental themes continues to inspire and influence the art community.
References
- Trudy’s Journey - Trudy Rice Collection
- Curriculum Vitae – Trudy Rice Collection
- Trudy Rice - ZoneOne Arts
