Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Rice.
Hi Kim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Kentucky and grew up in Oklahoma and California. My father is an artist so I learned a lot about art from him growing up. However, It wasn’t until a sports injury in high school that the role of art became more of a focal point in my life. I used art as a coping mechanism that would later turn into a college scholarship. I have a BFA in Sculpture and a MFA in Printmaking from the University of Oklahoma, along with a Teaching Certification from Oklahoma City University. I now live in Baltimore with my family and have a studio at School 33 in Federal Hill.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For me, failure and setbacks are completely integrated into my practice. This is why it is such a difficult field. It is a constant re-calibration. I apply for exhibitions and opportunities and get rejected more times than I get accepted. Getting back up and dusting yourself off is a part of the occupation.
As an artist, you have to be self-motivated, disciplined and goal-oriented no matter what the obstacles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For the past eight years I have been creating art that directly address the white race and systemic racism. My work is research based. I usually create pieces that are in conversation with something I am currently reading.
I use common materials like maps, zipties, magazines, caution tape, and photographs and then weave, crochet, or cut and sew them into large-scale artworks. These works are very labor intensive and repetitive so they have a meditative quality to them.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be intentional with your time. Make lists and set goals. Schedule your own working studio hours and have one day a week you focus on applications.
Reach out to artists you admire. You will be amazed at how many will help you.
This field takes grit – you can do this!
Contact Info:
- Email: kim@kimrice.net
- Instagram: @kimriceartist
