Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Taggart
Hi Rachel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a self-taught artist. I have Degrees in Biology and Education. I was initially intending a career in Health Sciences, and then became a public school teacher for a brief period. My shift to art and subsequent art career happened quite serendipitously. I began painting just as a hobby and then had an opportunity to display my work in my sister’s contemporary furniture store in Toronto, Pavilion Modern. My first piece sold immediately and customers started asking for more. In brief, I began to create commissioned paintings for interior designers, branched out to other art shows and galleries and eventually painting became my full-time career.
Over the past 23 years I have had the opportunity to create and sell work to collectors world-wide, display my work in shows and galleries throughout Canada and the US., create notable pieces to be displayed in hospitals, corporate and interior design settings. I’ve also been commissioned by the United Nations for a special award ceremony project.
Most importantly I just love to create. Creative exploration is a part of me, and satisfying that is the most important part of my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
23 years of professionally selling my work has seen recessions, economic ups and downs, children, changing life circumstances. This all affects the art. Life affects art. Being able to see all this in retrospect, helps me put my career in perspective as I continue to move forward. My enjoyment of what I do is my one constant in my career and my priority. Circumstances may change, influences and inspiration come and go and evolve over time, Some things are beyond my control, but I continue to do what I love and I just let that guide me forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Over 23 years my work has seen a number of shifts. Most notably, would be my departure from my landscape/nature series which was my signature stye for 17 years. While my landscapes were very successful, I felt that I needed to create an opportunity for myself to explore and grow creatively. I gave myself permission and time to experiment without expectation. I blossomed creatively in this time and as a result, I am currently evolving several different directions of abstract painting. It is not typical of a professional painter to work in multiple styles or directions. There can be pressure from galleries and collectors for an artist to stick to a style that is consistent and easily recognizable. I think this is what I am most proud of with my work – my commitment to my own creativity, without expectation. I am open to any path that feels genuine to me. There is no fixed agenda to my growth. I allow it to happen organically and just trust in the process. Ultimately, I feel that I am creating work that is most authentic to me.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a shy kid growing up. I was and have always been very introverted. I could daydream a day away and I still can. My solitude is re-juvenating and necessary. It’s how I process my thoughts and solidify ideas. As a young girl, I liked to be in nature, climbing trees, and playing sports. I don’t recall being particularly creative as a young kid, but I was always curious and always had questions.
My creativity became apparent a little later as an adolescent and young adult. While academically I was heading in a science-orientated direction ( I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology), I remember always looking forward to having the time after my exams and assignments to focus on my creative ideas. I’d lie in bed and mentally go through the steps of how to sew a certain pattern on my jeans, or build a shoe rack or shelving unit from scratch, a stained-glass picture frame, plant stand – anything. I always considered these inclinations as just side-interests to my more practical science-orientated focus. However, in retrospect, I realize that was really a reflection of my true nature and a hint of what I was supposed to be doing.
Pricing:
- $800 – $5000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://racheltaggart.com
- Instagram: @racheltaggartstudio
- Facebook: @racheltaggartstudio
