Q+A with Lucy Rice
From her studio in Snells Beach, artist and photographer Lucy Rice shares how painting started as a form of therapy for her and how each piece comes to life on the canvas.
When did your passion for art begin? Were you always creative growing up?
Yes I was always a creative child. I started drawing horses when I was around eight years old because I was obsessed with them! I got a book on how to draw them and then from there I was all about art!
How did you come to be a painter in 2019 after being a photographer?
My mother got cancer around the time I started painting as a form of therapy for me. Covid lockdowns became a thing and the whole wedding photography industry took a big hit, so I leant into painting and haven’t looked back since. Best decision ever!
Does photography influence your artworks?
Yes and no. If it’s a commission based off a landscape then yes, definitely.
What else inspires your pieces?
Music. If I’m doing an abstract then I always need a bit of music to paint too.
“If I feel like I’m happy with the composition, that it has enough layers and depth to it, then I will pull back. I might not touch it for a few days and see how it sits.”
“It’s trusting that this will all be worth it one day. Constantly battling with the unknown of when a job will come in or a painting will sell. Believing in myself all the time that it will all work out.”
How does each piece come to life? How do you know when each piece is ‘finished’?
I don’t think you ever really know when a piece is done! But sometimes, if I feel like I’m happy with the composition, that it has enough layers and depth to it, then I will pull back. I might not touch it for a few days and see how it sits. Then I kind of know that it’s done if I don’t keep going back to adjust it.
Who inspires you in the art space?
I wouldn’t say mentors as such, but I have some lovely arty friends that I can share a lot with – two in particular are Petrina Jose and Jasmine Kroeze. They are a lovely support to me.
What challenges do you find artists face today?
Oh, where to start! I think for me, it’s trusting that this will all be worth it one day. Constantly battling with the unknown of when a job will come in or a painting will sell. Believing in myself all the time that it will all work out. There are many hours spent thinking about these things. Running a business has its challenges and admin and all the stuff outside of making lovely paintings.
What’s been your highlight as an artist in Aotearoa?
Probably being signed with the amazing team at Endemic World Gallery in Auckland. They have been so supportive and wonderful to work with.
What’s next for you?
I have quite a few new exciting projects on this year. I’m starting a couple of collabs with businesses here in New Zealand. I’m also working towards an exhibition this year. And also, just quietly, I would love to do an artist retreat where I just go and paint in silence in a pretty space… Anyway, one can dream!
Snells Beach, Aotearoa New Zealand
