We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Debolski recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

When faced with challenges or feelings of overwhelm, I will often engage in an internal monologue contemplating whether I should have pursued a more practical or stable field. However, deep down, I know that my passion for art-making would have inevitably guided me towards this path. I have attempted to envision an alternative life, but I just can’t imagine it. When I set my mind on wanting something, I can be particularly stubborn. Moreover, storytelling and creating art have always been as my means of unpacking and understanding my own reality and subjectivity. So without it, I probably would be a mess.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a visual artist and filmmaker, originally from Michigan and currently based in New York. My artistic practice encompasses various mediums such as film, performance art, and video installation. Through the use of narrative elements, I delve into themes of identity, desire, and the construction of the female self. My aim is to challenge the conventional representations of female bodies and personas found in film and art, while also exploring the emotionally complex and unconventional aspects of women’s stories that often go unrepresented in mainstream media.

My journey into the world of film and video art commenced during my time at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, where I pursued my education in filmmaking. It was there that I first encountered the captivating realm of experimental cinema and the early pioneers of feminist video art. These encounters ignited a curiosity within me to experiment with alternative and innovative methods of storytelling. Most significantly, I was drawn to the idea of breaking away from the constraints of the traditional, singular TV screen. I recognized that the viewing experience could transcend its usual boundaries, and video installation and multi-channel works provided a platform to create narratively immersive and intimately engaging spaces for audiences.

Upon completing my BFA in Filmmaking, I was eager to explore further into the theoretical dimensions of filmmaking, particularly through the lens of feminism. This led me to make the pivotal decision of relocating to New York and enrolling at The New School for my MA, where I focused my studies on feminist film theory. From that point onward, the core of my artistic endeavors has centered around crafting vulnerable and authentic narratives that explore the female experience and striving to present these narratives in a manner that fosters profound connections and vulnerability for the viewer.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Finding reassurance in my own reality. Observing others connect or resonate with something I created, feels like the most profound and comforting human experience. Whether I’m sharing stories from my own experiences or from the experiences of those close to me whom I deeply care about, it instills in me a sense of empowerment, knowing that I am amplifying their voices and perspectives.

I firmly believe that there are moments when people simply need validation, to know that what they are feeling or what they have gone through is valid. I also believe that film and art possess the remarkable ability to inspire, uplift, and affirm the experiences of others. That’s what really drew me to filmmaking to begin with.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I just want to make things. And I want to keep making things. Even when making things feels extremely difficult. That’s the goal. In terms of a mission, I want to create work that accurately and honestly reflects the nuances of female subjectivity and female desire on screen. When audiences consistently see women portrayed as multifaceted, capable, and autonomous individuals, it can reshape the harmful stereotypes and biases that exist in the real world. Right now is an especially exciting time because it feels like there’s this new wave of feminist filmmaking taking place, that’s paving the way for a more inclusive and cinematic landscape. That’s something I strive to contribute to and be a part of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.racheldebolski.com
• Instagram: @rachel_debolski