September 13 - October 27, 2024
McKelvey Charitable Fund Gallery
Reception Saturday, September 14, 5-7pm
Painter
Rebecca Bridges Rice is a seasoned artist and designer whose career spans over 40 years, blending traditional artistry with contemporary innovation. Her artistic journey began in her childhood home, surrounded by her mother’s art books and creative endeavors. Her mother, Wanda, an art major and a creative force in her own right, cultivated an environment rich in painting, needlework, fine tailoring, stained glass, and gardening.
A summer scholarship to the University of Kansas—Midwestern Music and Art Camp introduced Rice to various contemporary styles of painting and design, igniting a lifelong passion for art. This early exposure laid the foundation for her formal education in fine art at Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri, where she studied on a full scholarship. She furthered her education with a specialization in commercial art at the Regal School of Art in Houston, and later digital graphics at The Art Institute of Houston.
Throughout her career, Rice has worked as a freelance designer for ad agencies and corporate clients, creating illustrations and designs for advertising and corporate communications. This period of freelancing allowed her the flexibility to immerse herself in painting through various classes and workshops, refining her artistic skills.
Her career took a significant turn when she joined Southwest Art Magazine as Creative Director, merging her love for magazine design with her affinity for fine art. She then contributed to establishing a fine art gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon, specializing in bronze sculpture. In 1993, she transitioned to the role of Director of Product Development for Somerset House Publishing in Houston, a prominent fine art company producing limited edition prints for nationally known artists. This role deepened her appreciation for art from a publishing perspective.
Today, Rice explores art in two distinct yet harmonious directions. She creates traditional scenes using watercolor, oil, and acrylics, drawing inspiration from the natural world. Simultaneously, she delves into abstraction, using color and design to explore a vast emotional landscape. Her abstract works are a reflection of her inner artistic evolution, offering a canvas for experimentation and self-expression.
After relocating to Rockport two decades ago, Rice devoted herself to caring for her mother, who suffered a major stroke, until her passing in 2024. This personal journey has profoundly influenced her work, enhancing her appreciation for life's intricate layers.
Rice’s art is a celebration of tradition and innovation, with themes of nature, growth, and inspiration. Her work invites viewers to engage in thought and reflection, creating a space where they can momentarily lose themselves.
Her continued exploration and adaptation as an artist underscore her enduring love for the visual arts and her commitment to evolving creatively.
Artist Statement
My artistic journey is a tapestry woven from over 40 years of experience in graphic design, publishing, and fine art. Growing up surrounded by my mother’s diverse artistic pursuits—painting, needlework, stained glass—I developed a deep-seated passion for art from a young age. This early exposure, coupled with formal studies at Columbia College and specialized training in commercial and digital art, has profoundly shaped my creative practice.
I want to dedicate this show to the memory of my mother, Wanda McCary.
My work navigates two distinct yet interconnected realms: traditional and abstract art. In my traditional pieces, I draw inspiration from the natural world, using watercolor, oil, and acrylics to capture its beauty and complexity. These works are a reflection of my enduring appreciation for classical techniques and my desire to connect viewers with the serene and intricate aspects of nature.
In contrast, my abstract pieces explore the boundless possibilities of color, design, and emotion. This side of my practice allows me to push the boundaries of my creativity, experimenting with forms and expressions that reflect my inner artistic evolution. Through abstraction, I seek to convey a deeper, often intangible aspect of human experience, inviting viewers to engage with the art on a personal and introspective level.
My artistic path has been deeply influenced by a personal journey of care and reflection. After moving to Rockport and caring for my mother through her illness, my work has evolved to embrace themes of growth, transformation, and resilience. This period has enriched my perspective, adding layers of meaning to my art.
Ultimately, my work is a celebration of both tradition and innovation. I strive to create pieces that provoke thought and reflection, encouraging viewers to lose themselves in the beauty and complexity of the visual experience. My art is a testament to my lifelong love for the visual arts and my ongoing desire to explore, adapt, and evolve as an artist.