Lance Rivers

Rainbow Tunnel | August 2023

Lance Rivers’ art practice emphasizes the idea, above all others, of the local as monumental. No aspect of the processes that make a city function escapes him, and the attention he gives to the beauty of simple industrial compositions shows an authentic love for the Bay Area. "My work is about landscape, architecture, bridges, tunnels, and transportation. I am inspired by BART, MUNI buses, streetcars, and trains. I like nature, too. These things are interesting to me," Rivers explains.

Rivers was nominated for SFMOMA’s prestigious SECA Art Award in 2016 and his work has been exhibited internationally, including in prominent exhibitions such as the People's Biennial at Museum of Contemporary Art, in Detroit, Michigan, in 2014; and Create, a traveling exhibition that first opened at UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive in 2011. He is a featured artist in the upcoming book, Art is Art, published by Chronicle Books, releasing November 2023.

Creativity Explored is a studio-based collective in San Francisco that partners with developmentally disabled artists to celebrate and nurture the creative potential in all of us.

"Creativity Explored serves 130 artists and has facilitated the careers of hundreds [more]. Creativity Explored artists have seen their work exhibited in museums, galleries, and art fairs in over 14 countries and have earned over $2 million from their art.

Their life-changing programs continue to open doors of inclusion to center the personhood and creative vision of people with developmental disabilities. Most importantly, Creativity Explored is a source of community, empowerment and dignity." (Creativity Explored website)

Q&A with Lance Rivers

What draws you to urban architecture and transportation?

It interests me and I enjoy looking at it. I love architecture, bridges, tunnels, and transportation. I am inspired by BART, MUNI buses, streetcars, and trains.

Do you have a favorite place to draw?

Tunnels and bridges. Right now I really like the Great Belt bridge in Denmark.

What are your favorite secret urban hiking spots and viewpoints? The best spot for a picnic?

Sutro Towers and Mount Davidson are two of my favorite viewpoints in the city.

Are there any cities besides San Francisco that you would like to draw?

I also like to draw San Jose and Oakland.

What are your other interests and hobbies besides art/favorite things to do? Favorite music?

Nature and architecture - that's all.

Where will you use your blanket?

I am excited to use my blanket! I will probably put it on my couch.