Debra Rice

“Wrapped Up In It” reflects my 23-year journey of misdiagnoses, specialists and failed treatments, culminating in the eventual discovery of chronic neurological Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases. A laughing kookaburra is muffled, grounded by debilitating symptoms. Teetering on a steel trap, the bird is covered in pills, symptom calendar, diagnosis codes, and medical gear—showing the unseen battles of an invisible illness.

This is one of two chronic illness sculptures I exhibited at “What Lies Beneath” during @nceca.rva. The narrative sculpture exhibit was hosted by @vasenbrewing and co-curated by @kourtenayplummerpottery and me.

I began this sculpture at @doubleislandstudio in June 2022, exploring narrative sculpture with the guidance and encouragement of @lynnehobaica and @rickiebarnett. Back at my AirBnb the first night, I read a series of IG posts Rickie had just made as Ceramics Monthly’s Emerging Artist guest contributor.

Rickie’s inspiring words gave me the courage to be vulnerable with a group of kind people I barely knew, in an area of ceramics (sculpture) I was just delving into. I drew a detailed sketch that night, suddenly sure of what I needed to express through clay.

This piece has helped me begin to process years of living with chronic neurological infection, autonomic dysfunction, and systemic damage. The level of loss, pain and adjustment I’ve experienced is hard to describe. However, clay is slowly helping me heal, even when I struggle with symptoms. For that, and for all the inspiring and supportive people in my life, I will forever be grateful.

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