Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lydia Boddie-Rice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lydia, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I’ve learned that my response to being the only one in the room is a powerful tool. Throughout my life, both personally and professionally, I’ve often been the first, the only, or the marginalized. When this happens, I ask myself, why was I invited in the first place? I view my inclusion as purposeful and an opportunity to engage, challenge, and leave a lasting impression. The key is to make my presence valuable and memorable, creating a space where others can be invited in too. Oftentimes, the exclusive environments I’ve encountered have stemmed from a lack of effort to step outside familiar circles. People may say they don’t know how to reach or connect with those different from themselves, and if I’m not there, there’s little motivation to change that. To address this, I intentionally place myself in situations where I can serve as a bridge—a connection point to diversify networks, dispel myths, and encourage more inclusive engagement.
I embrace my role with responsibility, recognizing that my presence alone can challenge assumptions, break down biases, and encourage others to see our shared humanity. By taking up space and fully accepting my place in the room, I help pave the way for others to follow.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I create one-of-a-kind mixed media collages that merge my imagination with powerful imagery, exploring iconic connections that inspire and transcend. By reinterpreting traditional collage techniques and repurposing fabric, I craft statement pieces that tell stories of healing and transformation. My work is vibrant, textured, and layered, combining water-based oils, acrylic paints, fabric remnants, and 3D elements to create depth and intentional irregularities. The process of assembling these materials invites viewers to imagine the thought and creativity behind each piece, while sparking curiosity about the “what” and “how” of the different mediums and techniques used to form a cohesive work of art.
Technology plays a key role in my compositions, allowing me to integrate printed illustrations and images on fabric, which are then combined with companion remnants and applied to various substrates. I also incorporate interdisciplinary techniques like paint and 3D elements to bring additional color, texture, and storytelling depth, encouraging reflection and connection with the audience.
Right now, I’m diving deeper into transforming collage by using repurposed materials and expanding into kite-making and installations. What began as a traditional collage focused on a healing narrative evolved into an exploration of kites as symbolic storytelling tools. This journey of discovery has been inspiring—creating my first kite was an unplanned adventure driven by the desire to express emotion through fabric. The response was so positive that I’ve since developed a collection of 14, with more in the works.
This creative fearlessness has led to some exciting collaborations, such as with V.E.T.A. (Visionaries Empowered Through Art) LLC, a footwear and apparel brand, where I bring art to ready-to-wear clothing and footwear. I’m also illustrating a second book in a spiritual care series by Rev. Dr. Robin I. Blair, and as a teaching artist, I focus on kite-making as a social-emotional learning tool for students.
One of my latest projects is crafting custom fabric-covered box frames for my 2D collages, adding another layer of movement and depth that extends the fabric incorporated into the artwork.
I also welcome commissions, often collaborative in nature, where I immerse myself in a client’s world to create personal, transformative art. Each piece is designed as a visual story meant to connect deeply with its viewer—like receiving a heartfelt “hug from me.”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are Communication, Collaboration, and Courage—what I consider my “four C’s,” with Caring as an essential part of the mix. As artists, we often lean into our introverted tendencies, focusing on creating art while minimizing networking or socializing. However, this can limit our knowledge, hinder our ability to practice and refine our medium, and restrict our personal and professional growth. Communication is vital for positioning and marketing your work, as well as cultivating partnerships that can expand your reach and diversify revenue streams. Collaboration helps by pooling resources and ideas—whether it’s identifying funding opportunities, securing exhibition spots, or sharing the workload on projects. It’s about dividing the work to accomplish more together. Caring deeply about your creative voice, as well as the voices of others, ensures authentic expression in your art. And Courage is essential for stepping into uncharted territory, trying new things fearlessly, and working outside your comfort zone without the weight of judgment.
For emerging artists, I would advise embracing these qualities as foundational guideposts. They will help build self-confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of purpose in your artistic journey. By practicing these principles, you’ll strengthen not only your craft but also your ability to navigate the professional world and bring your artistic vision to life.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is managing my own sense of overwhelm. While I’m thrilled that my name and brand are gaining recognition, I’m also grappling with the consequences of being oversubscribed. As a one-person operation, juggling tasks like applying to out-of-state juried exhibitions, handling grants, bookkeeping, marketing, travel, and, most importantly, creating art has me constantly in motion with little time to rest. To address this, I’m working on streamlining my documentation and operations and looking for ways to bring in support to help manage the workload more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lydiaboddierice/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boddierice
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydia.boddierice
- Other: https://threads.net/@boddierice https://bsky.app/profile/lydbod.bsky.social
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Tullis Johnson, Burchfield Penney Art Center (Kites) All others Boddie-Rice/Editions Printing
