Art and food can be viewed as the windows into many cultures. To Libby Ethridge, her art is akin to a love language and is a form of self expression that she uses to tell a story. What started out as a hobby for a new mother to keep busy while her son slept, is now capturing the hearts and eyes of local art lovers.
Libby draws inspiration from elements that are prevalent in Asian culture, such as cherry blossoms; which carry symbolistic meanings across South Korea and other Asian countries. Floral elements, subdued colors, and textured brush strokes are repeated in much of Libby’s work. Libby feels she was drawn to these themes even before she began creating her own artwork, which has allowed her to maintain a feeling of connection and appreciation for her heritage. Libby has spent most of her life in rural Pennsylvania, but manages to honor her birthplace and culture while sharing the beauty of diversity with others through art.
As the founder and artistic force behind Wild Rice Co., Libby has achieved her childhood dream of becoming a businesswoman; but instead of carrying a briefcase, she wields a paintbrush.
The name Wild Rice Co. pays homage to Libby’s Korean American heritage. Born in Korea and raised in the U.S., Libby saw her cultural blend reflected in wild rice, which she describes as “a hybrid of different colors… a blend.” This meaningful connection not only inspired the name but also became a fond memory she now shares with her husband.
Art was not always in the cards for Libby. Like many artists, she started out feeling like she couldn’t create portraits or other popular styles so she wasn’t an “artist”. Since finding and finetuning her abstract style, it’s clear she has more artistic qualities than she may have thought. The use of gold leaf into her pieces is a distinctive signature of her style. Her work encourages its viewers to reflect on their life experiences, and is often coupled with a story or poetry via Instagram.
Lancaster is a beacon of diversity in Amish country, and has seen an increased interest in the food, art, and history of Asian culture. Recent social media trends (on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) have popularized and enticed viewers to try Korean food. Restaurants serving Korean BBQ, kimchi, and street foods such as tteokbokki (steamed rice cakes) and corn dogs have gone viral. Local restaurants, such as Chi Maek and Seoul Mates Korean Kitchen, offer places for Lancaster residents to sample some of these items and similar foods.
As Event Chair of the Lancaster Asian American and Pacific Islander (LAAPI) organization, Libby has played an important role in organizing events where Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures are highlighted for the community. These events have included a Lunar New Year celebration, which centered around celebrating of the arrival of spring. As well as The Ninth Art: Inside the World of Asian Cuisine Through Sight, Smell, and Taste which was hosted at the The Ware Center. This event featured cuisines from Japan, Vietnam, and China; described as “a curated, live food demonstration showcasing Asian cuisine from around the world.”
Libby’s work is connected to local restaurants, like Hello Mango bakery’s logo which was designed by the owners and painted onsite by Libby (keep an eye out for mango themed window designs, curated by Libby while she explores a new medium for her paintings!). She envisions her artwork in homes to give them a beautiful cozy feel, her dream collaboration would be to do a window design for Anthropologie. The brands seasonal store displays are integral to the Anthropologie experience, and are a coveted collaboration for local artists to showcase their work.
There is no one more deserving of continued exposure and her growing audience than Libby Ethridge. She selflessly gives back to the community she is apart of, and is quick to support or promote other local artists in any way she can. Libby is self aware to the idea that her art may not be for everyone, and has no issue pointing viewers in the direction of other artists or creators who may be a better fit. When speaking to Libby, she reiterated that she is grateful for the people who have supported her from the start and the experiences she has been able to have since her artistic debut. Her kindness and bright personality will continue to propel her to success, and I am grateful to have met her and get a front seat view to the rest of her career.
Femme Forward - Lancaster, PA 
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