Chi-Town’s very own.
With her family history deep rooted in the arts, it was always Racheal’s destiny to tap into her talent and pursue her own artistic path. Life had a way of convincing her otherwise though, and eventually, she put her gift on hold for a more stable career. With the birth of her child, things managed to come full circle, as Rachael re-discovered her own inner child and dived back into the arts. These days she stands out as a digital and traditional artist who explores African American concepts in her work. She also has done a wonder illustrating children’s books and stories. Racheal mind may have led her to a away from the arts, but her heart brought her right back. We talked to her to hear more.
What was your upbringing like and how did it lead you towards the arts?
I grew up in a quiet neighborhood in close knit family, with artists and writers and gardeners and much more. I had a very strong support system and my family supported whatever decisions I made early on in life. Naturally, I gravitated towards the arts and I remember writing and claiming to my mother that I’d be either an: Architect, Artist, Judge, or Veterinarian. I was always very shy and introverted and hated talking and rather be left alone to my art and imagination. I enjoyed art so much because it was my voice and I felt it expressed more than I could with words. I practiced art throughout high school and when it came time for college, I chose to not pursue art. I was told art wasn’t a viable or stable enough career. In 2012, I gave birth to my son and was looking to do something that would pass the time. Art was my fist option, but I haven’t drawn seriously for years, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I discovered digital art and it was the most financially sound choice for me. The day I got my Wacom Tablet, I practiced all day, I had to catch up. It didn’t matter how many hours I spent, I was dead serious about perfecting my craft. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What would you say makes you unique as an artist?
I find what makes me unique as an artist is that I love exploring the romantic hero laced with my memories and experiences, and stories both old and new. I also enjoy including purple hues in most of my pieces. I find it to be very diverse in translating mood; very alluring and powerful. Outside of art, my obsession with purple ceases to exist!
How do you get inspired? What’s the process for you?
I pull inspirations comes from so many sources. If I’m listening to music, I listen to a lot of instrumental music. I love listening to Studio Ghibli/ Joe Hisaishi, Daft Punk, Hans Zimmer, and House Music! I enjoy reading fantasy novels, but lately Audible has been giving me life; allowing me to both work and go off on journeys with new characters. I’m opening to good Audible book recommendations. Nature provides amazing inspiration for compositions. There has been quite a few times, I’d snap a picture just because the trees were at amazing angles, and the leaves fell just right allowing a slight diamond peak at the sky. Of course, other artists bring me inspiration as well, more so they inspire me to work harder and to keep elevating my craft. The first thing I do before I sit down to work is I’ll open the windows to allow a lot of light, put on a pot of tea (my favorite flavor right now is Rose Hibiscus), and play some of my favorite songs to help me get into the creative mindset. Other times, I need silence in my work space and a clean and clutter free. Else I’ll be irritated and can’t work properly because it’ll nag at me.
Is there a piece of art that’s most special to you? If so, why?
There was a piece my uncle did for my grandmother, I think it was done in pastels. It was of a woman, representing my grandmother and she was surrounded by different color fairies. The piece was so colorful and vibrant and it made me happy every time I saw it. I loved it so much because it was my first introduction to something magical and whimsical. Over the years, my grandmother, my mother, and then myself shared ownership of the piece.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
My dreams for the future is to inspire or change someone’s view of either themselves or the world. To see things differently. Not to live in a dream world, but let their dreams live open and free in the real world. To push creativity and imagination. This world so often crushes dreams, I just hope to breathe life into new ones.
A short term goal of mine is to create a series of oil paintings. I’ve fallen head over heals for oil painting and so I’ve come up with a theme I’ve feel very passionate about and want to add a modern fresh twist. I think it will come out pretty great. I hope my audience will think so too.
