The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift #1: Clay Rice Silhouettes

Mother’s Day is sneaking up on us, or at least- it’s sneaking up on me. Even though I’m well aware this date is approaching, somehow in all of my volunteer duties for the past few weeks this is something I’m feeling a sudden realization of OMG I AM NOT READY.

 

However, thankfully for y’all, I have several options for you that are just in time! First up? The Clay Rice Silhouettes at William’s Fun, Smart Toys.

 

This event ALWAYS sells out, so I’m talking about it first. The appointments are on Wednesday May 2nd, from 3- 6 p.m. at their store in Ingleside Village.

 

What I find the most interesting, other than the artistry of the work itself, is how Mr. Rice is the 3rd generation in his family to create these works of art. And that Florence of William’s Store let me know how GOOD he is with the kids, that she has even had nervous moms bring their kids in…. kids who normally won’t sit still, and that Mr. Rice is able to quickly work with them.

 

The history behind this is amazing as well, from the Clay Rice website:

“Silhouette cutting began in France in the mid-1700’s. The art form takes it’s name from one of it’s most famous practicioners, Eteinne De Silhouette, the french Minister of finance during that period.

Although a talented artist, Etienne wasn’t much of a bean counter, and soon he raised taxes to the point that the french people were not able to make ends meet,much less afford expensive portraits. They called the whimsical black paper cuttings silhouettes, and dressed in black proclaiming, “we are dressing a la Silhouette, we are just shadows”! eventually Eteinne’s unfair taxation led to the french revolution, but the given name of the artform, silhouettes,remained.

Fortunatly, silhouettes lost their negative connotation, and became an inexpensive and quick way to have one’s likeness captured in profile.

Eventually silhouette cutting made it to America, and became the rage in the late 1700’s and remained a popular artform until the advent of photography.

As photography became commonplace, silhouettes became popular again for their uniqueness, charm, and artistic quality.”

 

But like I said, these events do sell out quickly- so be sure to call them today to book! This would make a lovely gift for parents or grandparents alike.

 

 

Love to all y’all,

 

Molly