Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Rice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Travis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I got accepted into the architecture program at Ball State University in the spring of 1987 and that meant I had to take the majority of my first year studio courses over the summer. That summer of total focus on all things creative had a huge impact on me and definitely cemented the idea that I had chosen the right general direction to pursue in life. Before that summer I was just incredibly naive to what was possible in terms of leading a creative life. The first year program at Ball State’s College of Architecture and Planning exposed me to art, film, literature, and theater and opened up so many avenues or possibilities to pursue. I loved everything and eventually transitioned into art as it gave me the most autonomy.

Travis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I initially studied architecture at Ball State University and eventually graduated with a degree in landscape architecture with a minor in fine arts. Once out of school I worked for various design offices throughout the Midwest but quickly realized the typical corporate design office was not a great fit for me as I wanted more autonomy over the type of work I created. This desire eventually led me to pursue art and I studied for an MFA at Arizona State University in painting and drawing. My work deals with landscape in an abstract way and the process is continually influenced by my background in design as I incorporate digital tools to help me conceive the various visual forms that excite me. The blend of traditional and non-traditional materials I use to convey my thoughts are simply a result of just playing in the studio. I am currently represented by Bentley Gallery in Phoenix, AZ and Moberg Gallery in Des Moines, IA.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think you are either born to be an artist/creative person or not and those people, not in this world, will never understand it. Similar to the way that I will never fully understand why anyone would ever become an accountant, lawyer, or a financial planner. Its not really a choice its just who you are and your priorities are just different. The legacy I want to leave behind are the things I make with my hands not a stack of cash as that is pretty meaningless to me and, ultimately, an empty pursuit. When I want to remember Eddie Van Halen I listen to his incredible music legacy I don’t look up his bank statements.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The things that would ultimately benefit artists would benefit the nation as a whole. A decent working affordable healthcare system that allows people to take risks in life without the worry of going bankrupt from for an illness. Our current healthcare system in the US is a complete embarrassment and ultimately punishes the sick. Affordable education…what other country extorts money from its citizens at an incredible interest rate just because they wanted to gain knowledge. Affordable housing…housing and those seeking housing are continually exploited as a way to gain wealth forgetting that everyone has a basic need and right to adequate shelter. And grants and the grant writing process ultimately exploits artists and it is sad that we have to rely on this process to secure work space and eat. There has to be a better way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.travisriceartist.com
• Instagram: @rice.travis