The art of Clay Rice appears in collections around the world. With a pair of tiny sharp scissors and a sheet of black paper he can create a child's silhouette in about a minute, carrying on a family tradition made notable by his grandfather, Carew Rice (1899-1971). His work also captures the beauty of everyday life in South Carolina, especially along its coast, the area known as the Lowcountry. When his grandfather traveled to share his paper arts, he carried a banjo with him. What better way to share a story than through song? With Clay Rice that tradition of blending music, storytelling and paper craft continues.

"Storytelling with music as background, it's like the troubadours of old." That was Clay's calling. In his early twenties, he studied songwriting in Nashville, TN. He only cut silhouettes, back home in South Carolina, during the summers to make some money. Eventually it was a summer gig that never ended. He did not return to Nashville, instead he started traveling to cut silhouettes. But along this new path, he continued to write songs and to weave the songs into his artwork.

Over the years, he's written 17 children's books, and for each book, he's written songs. Sometimes, the music came first and then the story emerged. Other times, the music surfaced after the story revealed itself. There's no rhyme or reason. "Whatever comes natural," he says.

"In my books, I like to write about life. Yes, they are children's books but adults will enjoy them because there is a message for everyone."

His musical influences include well-known master songwriters/storytellers like Woodie Guthrie, Guy Clark and Gus Van Sant. Most surprising was to learn of ... Shel Silverstein, the author of The Giving Tree and Runny Babbit?

"Most people don't know that Shel Silverstein had a completely separate career as a songwriter. He wrote original music for Dr. Hook and Bobby Bare. And, yes, he illustrated children's books. Shel Silverstein is one of my closest influences."

Take a break in your day. Visit the website of Clay Rice to view his art, learn more about his books as they become available and access his music: http://www.ricegalleries.com.

Find him on Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silhouettes-by-Clay-Rice/287096409234