Libby Ethridge
Libby Ethridge of Wild Rice Co is a self-taught painter based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
She draws inspiration from nature and weaves her personal style to create richly textured abstract florals. Her use of gold leaf has become her unique signature.
Ethridge is a blend of American society. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in the rural farmlands of PA. She jump started her professional career as an artist after becoming a stay-at-home mother. She began in her dining room believing, “You can create beautiful things in an imperfect setting.”
We are excited to feature our next artist, Libby Ethridge. We discovered her impressive artwork while dining at Seoul Mates Korean Kitchen, where it was displayed throughout the restaurant. Check out our interview and her amazing collection below!
EW:How would you describe your art style to someone who's never seen it before, using only emojis?
LE:A bouquet of flowers, a red Asian fan, and a sunset.
EW:If your art could speak, what's the first thing it would say?
LE:We all have layers. Create something beautiful from them.
EW: If your art studio had a theme song, what would it be and why?
LE: My theme song would be Biutyful by Coldplay. There can be a lot of ugliness and harshness in the world, but I hope that what I create and how I live my life brings a piece of beauty to others in the way I care for them, and tell their story through my art.
"I hope that you get everything you want in this beautiful life
Watermelon moon, so happy you're alive
And I feel like a river finally arrived at sea
And you're so beautiful
And it's so beautiful"
EW: When did you start your artistry, and what inspired you?
LE: After becoming a stay-at-home mother three years ago, I began painting on tiny canvases while my son was napping. My original inspiration was to use my hands and mind to do something creative. That grew into a desire to create something tangible to bring beauty and tell a story.
EW: If you were to create an art piece inspired by your favorite snack, what would it look like?
LE: It would be a gold leaf-covered canvas with a slight curve etched to represent a golden crisp potato chip.
EW: What's your go-to guilty pleasure that helps you get through creative blocks?
LE:Watching TV shows, visually beautiful movies, or the story moves me:
Examples: Chocolat (movie), Amélie (movie), Pushing Daisies (TV show), Only Murders In the Building (TV), Somebody Feed Phil (TV)
EW:Do you have any advice that you would like to share for a creative that is going through a block?
LE: I know this sounds basic, but I advise you to try and paint every day, especially when you are feeling a block. Even if you aren't creating something you feel inspired by, it is creating discipline and making a part of your story as an artist.