Born in the early 1980's to a military family in the state of California, much of my childhood was spent relocating to "new" bases, in "new" towns, and "new" states and each time having to start over as the "new" kid. It was a difficult process, not easy for any child at any age.
In an attempt to better manage the ever-flowing out pour of emotions that came with the constant change of being the forever "new" kid, I found solace amidst the pages of my sketchbooks, exploring the prospects and promise of my own inherently artistic imagination. Here, I was never the "new" kid, and every day seemed an illustration of magic, painted with flowers and fairy tales.
Over time, this once crucial "crutch" became the essence on which I built my life. For those who knew me "back when", their wasn't a memory made that didn't have Rachel in the background wielding, at minimum, a box of crayons and a Care Bears coloring book. The same can still be said today, in some capacity, whether it be specifically creating art or "starting" DIY projects around the house and for family members. (The "italics" are for my husband, lol. He will understand. *wink*wink* )
It was in 2016, following a pretty significant life event, that I decided to turn a more acute focus towards the creation of my painted compositions and the refinement of my artistic perspective. Today, I remain ambitiously concentrated on the cultivation of the study & creation of "emotionally stimulating, non-conformance" abstracts.
My Objective - a more intimate self-awareness through the manifestation of a "forced subjection to my own subconscious." In other words...I paint my feelings. It is through this methodical and arduous process of developing my technique, that I aspire to attain a more prolific acknowledgement and appreciation of my higher self and the world around me.
Being completely self-taught in my methods, styles and practices, I believe it is this elemental component, specifically, that enables me to create deliberate, unencumbered works that openly articulate who I am to the world, without fear of vulnerability or subjection.
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.
More recently, I have begun experimenting with the concept of digitally layering several of my original mixed media pieces together, (collaging, if you will.) introduce new &/or additional elements to each. Once satisfied with my overall design/concept - I then begin exploring the multitude of options available to me through digital artistry, to include color palettes, effects, filters and so on. In the end, these artistic fusions catalyze, creating new, works both grounded in and magnified by their intentional unification of the traditional with the new aged/digitized.
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.
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Where You Can Find My Work
All works listed for sale online are available to be viewed and/or purchased on the Where Y’Art Gallery website as well as on my personal site: www.rrbart.com.
Instagram: that.artgirl_rachel
Facebook: Artist RachelRice-Baham
My Shipping Policies
Please allow 7-14 days shipping for standard orders. All packages are shipped within the Continental United States through the USPS via Priority Mail with Tracking and Insurance.
For international shipping prices or rush orders, please login in and send me a private message through the messaging tool on my profile page.