Trudy Rice

For a girl who loves colour, Trudy Rice’s journey to full time artist and printmaker has been an interesting one. An early career as a fashion model only hints at a woman driven by artistic expression, creativity and bringing the joy of making and curating “art” to the community. 

With her husband’s encouragement, and a gifted box of paints and an easel, Trudy gave license to her artistic expression some 10 years ago. “After a 20-year career dedicated to fashion and couture, my husband said; you can really draw, maybe you should make something of this?” Studying fine arts, Trudy found a passion for printmaking, going on to learn and then teach at many places including the Firestation Print Studio. Now, with a significant body of works on paper, Trudy’s pieces are created through a complex process of layering solar plate etchings. A time-consuming process involving the sun and water, the results capture Trudy’s love of the natural environment, indigenous species and colour.

With artworks in the collection of the Olivia Newton John Cancer & Wellness Centre, State Library of Victoria and other private collections throughout Australia and the UK, Trudy is excited to reveal her latest works inspired by the plantings and birds found in her Port Melbourne garden. To be featured at the Carlisle Street Arts Space at the St Kilda Town Hall between 15 August and 12 September 2018, Trudy’s botanical collection titled “Gardens”, will be exhibited alongside fellow local artist and renowned Master Blacksmith, David Wood. 

But when she’s not making art of her own, Trudy is fostering a passion for the creative process in others. Initiating and running an innovative postcard exhibition at Port Melbourne Primary School in 2014, Trudy worked with every student in the school to create small scale art for a 1000-piece strong exhibition that would raise over $2,500 for the school community. “I just have these ideas, and I think, yeah, I could do that.”

That can-do attitude sees Trudy devote her time and experience to organising and curating the Albert Park College Art Show. A long time Port resident, Trudy’s now 20-year-old son was in Albert Park College’s first enrolment when she volunteered to co-ordinate the first campus Art Show. “As a working artist at the time, I probably didn’t know what I was getting into, but I’ve loved the challenge and the process of bringing this fantastic event to life.”

Now in its eighth year, the Albert Park College Art Show exhibits both professional and student artworks, side-by-side. An important event on both the school and greater Port calendar, the show takes over six months to coordinate and has garnered the support of prominent local businesses and brands whilst raising significant funds for school resources. “2017 saw us raise over $28,000 which was directed straight into teaching resources to support the college’s educational programs.” 

A school renowned for innovative thinking and teaching, the Albert Park College Art Show is held in the heritage listed Drill Hall on the corner of Rouse and Bay Streets. Attracting an impressive number of submissions from professional artists around Australia, a selection committee vote on the 350 plus pieces included in each show. Focussing on diversity of medium, genre and price, Trudy’s objective is always clear; “to feature great art from both the student population and the community.” Curating the show with Lesley Melody, Trudy also uses the Art Show to provide mentorship opportunities to two students each year in the art of curation. “I taught modelling for many years, so the transition to teaching and mentoring is a very natural one for me.” The opportunity for mentorship is highly valued by the College’s student body and a testament to Trudy’s commitment to making art an integral part of our community’s life. 

You can explore more of Trudy’s work, including an exclusive range of homewares and cards featuring her designs, at her website www.trudyrice.com. Personalised printmaking workshops are also available through her Port Melbourne Studio by enquiry.

Trudy Rice
Print Studio
284B Ingles Street
trudyrice.com
trudy@trudyrice.com