About the Artist
Artist’s Statement
I am a painter who lives and works in my studio on Great Island in Harpswell, Maine.
I work with mixed media on canvas or wood panels, primarily in acrylics. I use glazes, transparent surfaces, spray paint and interactive finishes such as metal leaf or metallic pigments. My use of color is strongly affected by the seasons and the Maine landscape outside my studio.
My imagery has alternated over the years between landscape and abstraction. My current project is based on the view of the trees and skyline outside of my home. A common element that ties my work together is the desire to express my perception that there is an elemental structure that supports us. I am seeking to describe the sense of pattern, stability and connection underlying everything, and at the same time the constant motion and transitional nature of matter and energy.
Everything we perceive and feel is the result of action and interaction. For me, painting is a way to participate in the activity of life. I am asking the forms of nature, such as the plants and stars, the trees, the space, the light, the growth, the patterns, the resonance of color, the motion of time, the beauty, the sense of energy and the seasons to show me what to make. This feels like a reverential activity.
I strive to put my analysis and criticism aside and let my hands and feeling mind do the work for me. This is very challenging, but I sometimes find a balance.
I hope people who look at my work can enter into this active experience.
Artist Bio
781-248-1754
nancygrice@mac.com www.nancygrice.com Studio: Harpswell, Maine
Education
2021 Post-grad Certificate in Visual Art, Painting, Dunedin School of Art, Dunedin NZ
1980 BFA Painting, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, Massachusetts
2014 MA Counseling Psychology, Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Solo Exhibitions
2023 (May -June) Entanglements. Highfield Hall and Gardens, Falmouth, MA
2023 (January) Taking Up Space. Union of Maine Visual Artists Portland Gallery, Portland Maine
2022 Wavelength. With Lisa Knox; 249 A Street Gallery, Boston Ma.
2007 Scene and Unseen, Mandalas and the Landscape. Parish Center for the Arts, Westford, Maine
2006 An Exhibition of the Work of Nancy Grice. Massachusetts Archives Museum, Boston Mass.
Group Exhibitions
2024 Harpswell Open Studio Tour, Harpswell Maine
2023 UMVA Portland Holiday Show Pop-Up, 600 Congress Street, Portland Maine
2023 Abstract, Juried exhibit. Riverarts Gallery, Damariscotta, Maine
2018 Otago Art Society/Hope and Sons juried show, Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin NZ
2010 Annual Invitational. Essex Art Center, Lawrence, Mass
2008 The Alphabet Project: Letter X. Essex Art Center, Lawrence, Mass
2007 Martinis and Masterpieces. Benefit for ABC Boston, State Room, Boston
2006 Environments: A Sense of Place National Juried Exhibition, Rocky Neck Art Colony, Gloucester
2006 Art on the Wall: A Juried Exhibition Essex Art Center, Lawrence, MA
2004 Beaufort Art Association Spring Juried Show, Beaufort SC. (Recipient of Memorial Award)
2004 North River Arts Society Spring Juried Show, Marshfield, MA
2003-2010 Open Studios, Plain St. Studios, Rockland MA and Washington St. Studios, Lawrence, MA
Galleries
2023 Meraki Gallery, Harpswell, Maine
2019-2021 Moray Gallery, Dunedin NZ and Pea Sea Art in Port Chalmers, NZ
Professional Experience
2024 Member, Exhibition Committee, Union of Maine Visual Artists
2017-2019 Owner, West Harbour Gallery, Port Chalmers, NZ
2015-2018 Workshop Instructor, Mandala Painting. Worked at various retreats and workshops in Maine and New Zealand
1982-2004 Self-employed Decorative Artist, Massachusetts. Created specialized wall finishes, gilding and murals in residential and commercial interiors