Photography by ​​Laurie Neale

Rachel experiences painting as a return to homeostasis, a dialogue between the analytical mind and the instinctual movement of body. Losing herself to unconstrained expression, free fall of emotion and intuitive problem solving are essential in her practice.

She uses a combination of intentional acrylic pour, gestural mark making and spontancious textured application.

Ocean and forest landscapes are a cohesive influence in Rachel's work, from colour inspiration to energy associated with these climates to emotional memories of visiting wide bodies of water and getting lost in the omnipresence of foliage.

Rachel relies on unconventional tools such as rocks, forks and branches to reflect the mind-scape of anxiety disorder. These marks are meant to mirror the frenzy of thought patterns and inconsistent feelings of loss of control, mimicking a systematic panic response.  

Many of her works are titled with this in mind.

Her works are a documentation of her journey of movement and her constant drive for liberty from intrusive thought patterns.

Rachel attended continuing education at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia. Much of her art practice since has been self taught and experimental. She grew up in Northern Saskatchewan before moving to Vancouver to struggle as a coffee barista making minimum wage before training as a Health Care Assistant and moving to Kelowna. She has exhibited her art throughout Kelowna, including The Rotary Centre of the Arts, the Artscape program through ARTSCO, the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art and a handful of local coffee shops.