Born in California to a military family, Rachel moved quite often as a child. It was during her high school years that her family finally came to settle in Louisiana - and 20+ years later...she's
still there!
Much of her early career years were spent working independently as an interior decorator and faux painter across the Gulf South Region, stretching from south Louisiana into the Florida panhandle.
It was in 2016, that she decided to set aside her professional hat as designer and faux painter, and instead turned a more acute focus to the refinement of her artistic perspective in the creation of her painted compositions. Today, she remains ambitiously concentrated on the cultivation of the study & creation of "emotionally" stimulating, non-conformance" abstracts.
Her Objective: "...a more intimate self awareness through the manifestation of a forced subjection to my own subconscious." ...In other words - She paints her feelings!
It's through this methodical and onerous process of developing her technique, that Rachel aspires to attain a more prolific acknowledgment and appreciation of her higher self and the world around her.
Questions & Answers
Describe your art in three words.
Whimsical, Stimulating & Thought-Provoking
Describe yourself in one word.
"Aesthete" - someone with a deep sensitivity to the beauty of art & nature.
Describe your creative process.
I believe that art should always be an out of body experience. When creating, I must force myself to give access to the deepest parts of my inner self. Because, it is here...that the true intent of creativity is found. It is a release, an expression of stifled emotion...it is an acknowledgement of who we really are- outside of what we allow the world to see.
When I create abstract works of art there really is no set process or rituals that I practice. I never have any real direction or plan for the pieces I create. They are all created in the moment, based off of where I am at that specific point in time - mentally, emotionally & spiritually. My art is something I use to express things I would otherwise suppress. It aides me in the process of releasing the things I cannot control - bringing a sense of peace and balance into my life.
Where do you draw inspiration?
Experience...Emotion...& Nature. I draw inspiration from all around me. In looking at my art, not many would, at first glance, see the beauty and simplicity of say a flower, an embrace between loved ones or a kind gesture for an unsuspecting stranger. But it's there. I have learned throughout my years - that life can often be tainted with a lot of heaviness & pain. (which can all also be seen in my art). But it 's these experiences that teach us to hold tight to the good. It is this appreciation that helps me to see past any pain or sadness. It is what keeps me centered...grounded...and allows me to see the beauty this world as to offer - with great admiration and love.
Who are your artistic influences or gurus?
My artistic influences do not necessarily fall in line with the style of art I create. My influences tend to be other artists with complete passion & dedication for their craft. They are the people that fight against all odds to follow their hearts to pursue that which sets their soul on fire. In the face of all adversity. They are the makers...the creators...they are the ones that bring light into an otherwise dark world.
In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?
Anything non-lyrical that requires one to use their own imaginations. A melody that evokes emotion - while allowing our minds to write the story.
Where can we find you when you are not creating art?
In one of three places:
In Solitude- by nature, I tend to be more quiet and to myself. Finding time to decompress and rejuvenate is such a necessary practice for my own peace of mind and well being.
Surrounded by the people I love- Family means the world to me - whether by blood or bond. And though my circle be small, it is real. In Nature- there is a quote by a Cindy Ann Martine that goes: "When the world moves too fast and you lose yourself in the chaos, introduce yourself to each color of the sunset. Reacquaint yourself with the earth beneath your feet. Thank the air that surrounds you with every breath you take. Find yourself in the appreciation of life." There is such a fundamental grounding to be found in nature and its ability to help you realize just how small your problems really are in the big scheme of life.
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
Favorite Time of Day: Morning - as it signifies for me a fresh start - another chance to rise & to shine our own light into the world. Each morning represents a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around us - to touch a heart, encourage a mind and inspire a soul. (Plus....Coffee. Mornings mean Coffee. And Coffee is Love in a Cup!)
Favorite Time of Year: Spring. "For this is the season she will make beautiful things. Not perfect things but honest things that speak to who she is called to be." -Morgan Harper Nichols. The beauty of new life emerging from every crevice of the earth - the light is different -somehow brighter...warmer. The smells are different - softer, cleaner, more aromatic & the sounds - more energizing.
What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.
Hmmmm….I used to be a good dancer. I used to dance all the time...everywhere I went. But at some point along the way - my child has decided that this is no longer the case...though my husband would tell you differently. He likes the way I dance.
