Today we’d like to introduce you to Alissa Teo.
Hi Alissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been drawn to art for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would often captivate classmates and those around me with my sketches, usually without needing many words. Art became both my voice and my way of connecting with others. It was something that could encourage, entertain, and communicate when language felt unnecessary.
That same heart for people eventually led me into a career as an occupational therapist, where I continued to support and care for others in a more structured way. Later, I stepped into full time motherhood, and in January 2021, while spending more time at home with my family, I realized I needed a creative outlet again. That season rekindled my relationship with art in a way that felt both familiar and new.
With a lifelong love for both art and food, it felt only natural to bring those worlds together, alongside my faith and family, which remain central to who I am. From there, Fried Rice Art was born, and it has continued to evolve from that moment forward.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a fun and unpredictable road, full of highs, lows, and sudden turns I never saw coming. There’s a lot of pressure today to go viral or constantly be seen online, but I’ve learned to step away from that mindset. I remind myself to simply enjoy the process. Creating art is something I genuinely find joy in, and I love challenging myself to bring ideas to life that don’t always seem possible at first.
Along the way, I’ve had plenty of what I call “learning experiences”: from forgetting to press record while filming a finished piece, to navigating business decisions, to teaching myself video editing through trial and error. Each one has shaped my growth as both an artist and creator.
I’ve also had moments of doubt or disbelief from others, including comments suggesting my work is AI generated. I usually take it lightly and joke that maybe it just means my art is that convincing. Either way, I try not to let outside noise distract me from why I create.
At the center of it all, my faith is the foundation of my life and creativity. My goal is to bring glory to God through what I make, and that perspective shapes how I approach inspiration, process, and purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My niche form of art is unique in that it uses rice as the medium. I create each piece by coloring uncooked rice with dye and strategically placing it on a board to form an image. The final piece comes to life when I toss the rice into the air and capture it in motion, allowing the artwork to be fully seen through slow motion video playback.
One thing that’s really meaningful to me is that after I create and film my rice art, I reuse the rice by turning it into themed sensory bins and crafts that I donate to children in my community. My background in occupational therapy gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of sensory experiences in everyday life and that shapes how I move and think about my work.
Rice art has existed before, but I’ve spent years refining the technique and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the medium in terms of complexity and details. Watching thousands of pieces of rice move through the air creates a completely different experience than viewing a static image.
I’ve had the honor of working with many brands and companies I grew up admiring, opportunities I never would have anticipated when I first started.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to stay focused and grounded, even in a space that often emphasizes virality and attention. I’ve made a conscious effort to tune out the noise and stay rooted in my purpose. I’m an artist whose inspiration comes from what I call the “Three F’s” – food, fun, and fellowship – a value my Dad encouraged me to live by. That foundation continues to guide my work today to bring joy, encouragement, and a smile to people’s faces.
At the end of the day, being able to create art that inspires others while also providing for my family is something I don’t take for granted. I truly feel grateful to be living out something that feels both meaningful and fulfilling.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Dallas is that it truly feels like home. I was born and raised in the DFW area, so there’s a deep sense of familiarity and connection here that I really value. I love the culture, the Texas BBQ, the energy around our sports teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys, and most of all, the fact that my family and church family are here.
I’m also really enjoying the FIFA World Cup 2026 happening right now, with Dallas as one of the host cities. It’s such a special time for the city, and it’s incredible to see people from all over the world coming together here to celebrate, compete, and experience the culture and energy of Dallas in real time.
More than anything, I appreciate the freedom we have here. Not just to create and express ourselves, but also to live out my Christian faith openly and boldly. That foundation is really important to me, and it shapes how I move through both life and art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.friedriceart.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/friedriceart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friedriceart/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-teo-b0213b90/
- Twitter: https://x.com/friedriceart
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/friedriceart
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@friedriceart
