Debra Rice

“‘Embedded’ symbolizes my struggle with chronic illness, painting a picture of lost years and a fading light within. The figure is confined to bed, grappling with exhaustion, brain fog, depression, and unrelenting pain, all compounded by constant reminders of limitations. Despite this, there’s an undeniable longing to break free, to truly experience life rather than simply exist.”

This is my other chronic illness sculpture shown at “What Lies Beneath” during @nceca.rva. The exhibit was hosted by @vasenbrewing, co-curated by @kourtenayplummerpottery and me.

I started it at @doubleislandstudio 6/2022, in a workshop by the amazing @lynnehobaica and @rickiebarnett. I learned so much from them about making and decorating narrative sculpture, but even more meaningful for me was being inspired by the vulnerability and rawness in their art. They helped me realize there’s something beautiful about putting yourself out there, even when it’s scary to do.

This piece has been particularly hard to post. The symptoms represented are ones I’m really struggling with again. I’m much less removed from her than I was just 2 months ago. That’s the chronic rollercoaster, but at least now I have an art form that’s the perfect conduit for expression. Clay will always be there waiting for me.

Special shout out to @bedazzled_b_daz_ - I told her I had “some shit” I needed to work out through clay. She said “F*CK yeah” and encouraged me every step of the way. And @kourtenayplummerpottery who listened to my story, saw pics of my sculptures, and brought up the idea of co-curating a figurative exhibit for NCECA. I wouldn’t have had the confidence or courage to do that on my own. And @jess_b_s who’s been my emotional support buddy in all things clay, life, and growing as a person and artist. All three women showed powerful, vulnerable work in “What Lies Beneath.” I’m honored to have shared that experience with such talented, kind and supportive friends.

#narrativesculpture #ceramics #invisibleillnessawareness #chroniclyme #mayislymeawarenessmonth #potssyndrome #autonomicdysfunction #chronicart #sculpturalceramics #ceramicart #ceramicsculpture