Thanks for being with us, Rachel!

 So tell us how did your artistic journey start?
My artistic journey probably began in childhood, but my practice as it exists now took shape when I realised the fusion of several passions: illustration, painting, and narrative storytelling. As a trained writer, stories are integral to who I am, and my explorations of folklore, myth, and the surreal reflect that.

How did you arrive at the theme of your work?
I’ve always been fascinated by stories and how we tell stories, whether through oral traditions, written word, or images. Fairy tales, folklore, and the uncanny fascinate me. It feels natural to explore these themes with reference to the world we live in today.

Can you walk us through your creative process?

A big part of my work is idea farming. I read, look at art, and listen to podcasts, and inspiration often arrives as fragments my mind has already pieced together. I sketch loosely, play with references, and explore compositions. I also study the work of artists like So Youn Lee, James Jean, Rebecca Green, and Kit Mizeres. Observing other painters has been an important part of my development, especially as someone without formal art school training.

What emotions or reactions do you hope viewers experience when they see your artwork?

I hope they feel curiosity. Ideally, my work invites people to linger and to feel both comforted yet unsettled. It’s like something suspended between what has happened and what might still come.

Are there specific advantages or challenges associated with working in your chosen mediums?

I love gouache for its opacity, colour strength, and portability, though it can behave unpredictably, much like watercolour. I’ve also worked with mixed media, pencil, and acrylic, which add texture and depth. Currently, I primarily use acrylic, layering washes and glazes, while gouache remains a favourite for painting on the go.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram. Future/Past runs at Six Foot Gallery until Tuesday 14th October.