Trudy Rice

Born 1970, Victoria.

Trudy Rice is an artist based in Southern Victoria, Australia, who has always deeply loved colour. Despite being told by her art teachers to “tone her colours down.”

The natural environment around her inspires Trudy’s artwork, particularly the gardens tended to by her husband and mother-in-law, who are both talented gardeners. She collects specimens from these gardens and the coastal landscape of Lorne, including the Banksia, a stunning Australian native flower with various colours and textures. Even a small container in her mailbox containing a dead dragonfly inspires her art. Trudy’s experience as a fashion model also influenced her artwork, as she drew inspiration from fabric, texture, and colour.

The toxicity of acid and some solvents used in traditional printmaking techniques led Trudy to explore alternative, non-toxic printmaking methods, where she discovered solar plate etching. Trudy fell in love with the process and has used it in her art practice, setting up her studio to work in this beautiful, magical medium.

Her artwork has also been used on various substrates, such as wallpaper, fabric, and indoor and outdoor projects, showcasing the versatility of her work. Most recently, Trudy created a homeware range for Australia Post and continues to explore the depths of the natural world.