“I am a storyteller of memories,” says Kelley Rice. “My love of nature, textiles and whimsical elements inspire my artwork, recalling childhood and capturing emotions of joy and grief -- always, with a sprinkle of humor.”
Kelley creates ethereal layers of wax and accents pieces using metal letter punches, pan pastels, oils and mixed media. “The encaustic process is additive and subtractive. To me, it’s a metaphor for life -- adding here and there and scraping away what isn’t necessary.
“When I’m with my wax pallets and brushes, I feel connected to my true self.”
"She Always Wore Her Lipstick"
It was a cow in a field titled "She Always Wore Her Lipstick". It was a nod to my mother who had died suddenly in 2022. My mother was a true lady from the 50s. She always had her lipstick in her purse. When in the ER, I remember thinking...she doesn't have her lipstick. I have her yellow purse hanging in my studio. Inside is a comb, her wallet filled with change and her lipstick.
Today, I would be Rebecca Louise Law. Her book titled "Life in Death" is a beautiful story of her life and the creation and craftsmanship in her work. She says, "I always wanted to bottle the excitement and freedom I feel being surrounded by nature. The delight in lying in a field of flowers. I longed for a way to share this through my art". Bingo. She uses flowers as another artist would use oils. Patiently waiting for the flowers to dry before working on the next layer. For me, that medium is encaustic with the butteriness of the wax and color - all tracing back to the hives of the bees.
Can I say my heart? Today, I can feel connected to who I am and for the first time in my life since a young child, I truly love who I am. I can't say I remember ever feeling that way. Being an artist and empath, certainly isn't the easiest way to navigate this world. Yet, in some ways is richer and fuller for me.
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