We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Tucker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As an artist, my primary focus is on contributing to a legacy that extends beyond my personal recognition. I envision my artistic journey as a means to heal the planet through the powerful language of creative expression. I hold a profound belief that artists play a crucial role in making the world a better place by translating emotion, concepts, and energy into visual forms. While art takes diverse forms, my personal contribution lies in the realm of visual arts, with painting being my chosen medium. The notion of personal remembrance doesn’t occupy the forefront of my concerns. Instead, I am deeply moved by the sense of immortality that art embodies. In my role as an Art Director at Goldenstein Gallery in Sedona, Arizona, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with numerous creatives, fostering an environment that sustains my artistic momentum. One particularly impactful aspect has been organizing special memorial exhibitions in honor of late artists affiliated with our gallery. In those moments, installing these exhibitions felt like a sacred ritual, as I sensed the artists’ energetic connection to their paintings and sculptures. It was a vivid reminder that their legacy lives on through their artwork, and their love continues to permeate through the realms of our creative space. These experiences serve as a significant inspiration for me when I’m engaged in visually communicating my love through painting. Ultimately, I hope that my artistic legacy is intertwined with a broader narrative of healing, beauty, and connection. If, in the future, people can look back and say that my work contributed to making the world more beautiful and served as a source of inspiration and healing, then I believe I would have achieved the essence of what I aspire to be remembered for.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Growing up in a rural setting, my connection with nature began early, spending my days exploring nearby forests, building forts, and embarking on treasure hunts. This deep connection with the natural world has been a consistent thread throughout my life and has heavily influenced my artistic endeavors. I consider this to be the fertile ground where my imagination flourished, and since then, I’ve consistently felt attuned to my ideas and emotions.. My entry into the realm of art naturally unfolded as an progression of my inherent artistic inclination. Opting to attend art school, I embarked on a journey to further develop my skills and establish a creative practice. During this period, I played a pivotal role in building and managing a paint and sip business. This experience not only contributed to a substantial portfolio but also ignited a passion for connecting art with individuals interested in painting but lacking formal education or confidence. Overcoming my hesitations about public painting and teaching marked a transformative phase, expanding the horizons of my artistic career.
Equipped with a Bachelors in Fine Arts and a Post-Baccalaureate in Art Education from Eastern Michigan University, I made the decision to relocate to Sedona, a place renowned for its rich artistic tapestry. Immersing myself in the local art scene, I gained valuable insights by working in galleries, offering me a profound understanding of the inner workings of the industry, and shaping the artist I am today.
In terms of my artistic style, my paintings often delve into the connections between the self and the natural world. I employ traditional art mediums such as charcoal, acrylic, watercolor, and Gold leaf, showcasing a multifaceted approach with a diverse range of styles. From Floral-themed Goddesses to dreamy landscapes and impressionistic southwestern figures, my work evolves into series that capture the essence of my creative expression.
My purpose as an artist extends beyond the canvas; I am driven by a desire to contribute to making the world a more beautiful place. Through visually captivating works, I draw attention to the use of subtle symbolism to convey messages and themes. Mother Nature, the ultimate artist, serves as a limitless source of inspiration, and my body of work is an extension of my personal growth and a heartfelt response to the myriad inspirations that shape my soul.
What sets me apart is not just my artistic technique but the philosophy that underscores my work—each piece is a deliberate effort to infuse beauty into the world, drawing from the deep respect I hold for the limitless beauty that surrounds us. My journey from endless sketchbook pages to dimensional and textured creations reflects a commitment to creating art that is not only visually pleasing but also an authentic expression of my soul. This, in essence, is what I invite viewers to discover and connect with in my artistic narrative.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Reflecting on my artistic journey, I hold the belief that pertinent knowledge tends to present itself when needed. However, considering resources I wish I had known about earlier, “Art/Work” by Heather Darcy Bhandari stands out. Introduced during my time in art school, this book has served as an continuing reference. It goes beyond the act of creating art, offering insights into professional aspects such as lighting and editing photographs for print reproduction and original sales. “Art/Work” has been instrumental in maintaining an organized portfolio and navigating elements like prints, website design, and business networking. I recommend it as a valuable guide for emerging artists. Additionally, the immersive experience of art classes and collaboration with fellow artists is unparalleled. It serves as a rich resource for generating creative momentum and refining the skills necessary for effective visual communication. Personally, teaching, whether to fellow artists or beginners, brings me profound satisfaction. Art is a universal language. It transcends into a meditative practice, underlining my belief that fostering inner peace through art has the potential to contribute positively to the world. Therefore, learning from peers and cultivating an artistic community emerges as a paramount resource for artists on their creative journey.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in responding to my soul’s calling and fulfilling my purpose within creative communities. Engaging in continuous conversations about art with like-minded appreciators fosters a sense of artistic camaraderie and support that I find deeply fulfilling. Residing in Sedona, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of nature, serves as a perpetual wellspring of inspiration. My artistic expression often takes the form of dreamy, ethereal landscapes—an homage to the very environment that nurtures and sustains my creativity. Portraying goddesses in my art is a personal avenue to connect with my own nature and the divine feminine. Through these representations, I experience a profound sense of empowerment and a feeling of being liberated. Each studio session is an opportunity for skill exploration and improvement, and I embrace a diverse range of mediums, allowing for experimentation and the creation of varied series—from botanical-colored pencil drawings to charcoal birds, painted portraits, and nature scenes.
Contemplating the number of paintings I will craft in my lifetime, I aspire for each piece to carry significance—an extension of my soul and a testament to my appreciation for the boundless beauty life offers. Every day, I am grateful for having listened to my inner voice and pursued a career in the arts, an endeavor that continually blesses me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: Artfluents.com
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