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Introduction |
Ray and his sister signing the editions |
| Several months ago
two really great guys stepped out of a stretch limo in front of our studio.
They had come in from the East Coast and West Coast to help an old friend.
They had in hand the work of the gifted artist Ray McNiece.
Ray, who like many artists has fallen on hard times, is making a come back with the help of his buddies Austin Ryan of Gannet publishing, and Music producer Bernie Mora. Austin and Bernie brought into the studio works done on etched zinc plates created by Ray McNiece in New Mexico and El Paso Texas during the mid 1970's. My first reaction was something like "Man, this guy can draw... how rare" We refurbished the plates and pulled an edition of ten pieces from each images with artists' proofs for Austin Ryan and Bernie Mora. DMA / Summer 2006
Born September 5, 1953 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ray McNiece was exposed to a wealth of artistic achievements from babyhood. His interest in art was evident from the time he could pick up a crayon and when paper was not readily available, walls suffered. He was amazed and perplexed when, after his family's move to the more conservative city of San Angelo, Texas, he was sternly reproached by his first grade teacher for his nude drawings. However, he was not fazed and he continued this passion throughout his early formal education. He entered the University of Texas with the intent of obtaining a degree in the Fine Arts. However, he was side tracked for a short time when, persuaded by his rancher grandfather, he changed his career path to agriculture. This lasted but a short period after which his passion for art overcame practicality. He completed his degree in the arts at Abilene Christian University. Perhaps the strongest influences in his early years were the hours spent with James Drake and Lorne Jantzen. Professor Ted Rose recognized and encouraged his unusual artistic gifts. Ray’s many years in the creative department of one of the world’s largest oil services companies not only enabled him to maintain his passion but, also, provided world wide travel. These experiences in many parts of the world only served to enhance and deepen his creative soul.
“Viewing McNiece’s art can never be a neutral experience. His work demands
an intensive response, “ are the words of one collector of his work. Illness
has forced an early retirement but, hopefully is presenting new opportunities
for his great love for the world of art.
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