Clay Rice
| Clay Rice | |
|---|---|
 Clay Rice.jpg | |
| Born | |
| 🏡 Residence | United States |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | USA |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | Silhouette art |
| Predecessor | Carew Rice |
| 🏅 Awards | IPPY Award, Benjamin Franklin Award, Moonbeam Children’s Book Award |
Clay Rice is an artist working within the family business, making silhouette art. His grandfather, Carew Rice, also made silhouettes, traveling the world and sharing his amazing cutouts with delighted customers. Silhouette artistry and storytelling have been in Clay's family for more than 80 years. His exquisite works can be viewed and appreciated on the website ricegalleries.com. The site offers insights into the history of silhouette cutting, profiles of the artists, and a gallery of their creations.
Early Life
Clay Rice, described by author Pat Conroy as a "great talent who combines soul and passion," is a third-generation silhouette artist. His career began in 1982 after he returned from Nashville, where he had been pursuing a songwriting career. Inspired by his grandfather Carew Rice's legacy, Clay started cutting silhouettes, quickly gaining recognition for his skill and artistry.
Achievements
Throughout his 40-year career, Clay has created over one million silhouette profiles. His works have been featured in numerous publications, including Country Living, Washington Times, Atlanta Constitution, Cookie Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, and Garden and Gun. He has also appeared in the CBS series Army Wives. Clay's accolades include the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, the IPPY Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and a nomination for the Kirkus Prize.
Publications
Clay is also an award-winning children's author, with six books to his name. His titles include The Lonely Shadow, Mama, Let’s Make a Moon, The Stick, Ants n’ Uncles, and At the Stroke of Goodnight. These books feature his silhouette art set against vibrant backgrounds and have received multiple awards.
Influence
Clay's contributions to silhouette art extended beyond portraiture. His ability to capture the essence of the South in his cutouts set him apart from other artists of his time. He had created so many collectible landscape silhouettes. His works are held in high regard and displayed in the United States and abroad.
Tradition
Clay Rice continues to honor his family's legacy through his artwork and storytelling. His landscape scenes and children's illustrations are celebrated for their detail and artistic quality. With over 200 events per year across 35 states, Clay's silhouette cutting remains in high demand, ensuring that this traditional art form continues to enchant new generations.
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