Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel E Ridder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of my most meaningful projects spanned a two-month period during the summer of 2022, where I had the remarkable opportunity to participate in not just one, but two artist residencies. Securing a grant to support my artistic endeavors, I found myself traversing the landscapes of Hrísey, Iceland, and Marnay-sur-Seine, France spending a month in each place. The genesis of this project lay in the meticulous crafting of grant proposals and residency applications, a process underscored by my insatiable curiosity and yearning for exploration.
At the heart of my proposal was a desire to intimately engage with each locale, capturing its essence through a multifaceted approach encompassing video documentation and painting. I aimed to immerse myself wholly in these environments, to comprehend their nuances, and to reflect upon the interplay between humanity and the natural world. Both residencies were in some of the smallest towns in each country.The rhythm of life was palpable in the everyday existence of its inhabitants, offering me rich material for artistic exploration.
In Iceland, where I worked just 60 miles from the arctic circle, I found myself entranced by the surreality of ice-capped mountains, exotic birds, and rocks. In France, the serene melodies of the Seine River, the botanical gardens, and the towns architecture provided a backdrop to my creative process. Each day was a symphony of sights, sounds, and emotions, as I allowed myself to be enveloped by the essence of each location.
My artistic vision took shape organically, guided by the whispers of inspiration and the raw energy of the landscapes. The resulting body of work—comprising oil paintings, videos, and sketches—transcended my initial expectations. In Iceland, my video project assumed a haunting, introspective quality, drawing from the ethereal sounds of a local church choir. While in France, it captured the fleeting beauty of everyday life, underscored by a Friday night performance at the only cafe in town.
This transformative experience not only deepened my connection to my craft but also expanded the horizons of my artistic expression. It was a journey fueled by boundless curiosity and a willingness to surrender to the creative process, yielding works that resonated with a profound sense of authenticity.
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.
I grew up in Florida where my affinity for both nature and art blossomed. This love affair with creativity led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Florida State University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
At the core of my artistic journey lies a desire to articulate the intricate interplay between colors, emotions, shapes, and ideas. My artistic choices are deeply influenced by synesthesia, a phenomenon where senses intertwine, infusing my work with a kaleidoscope of associations and impressions. For instance, memories may manifest as ethereal blobs of shifting hues, blurring the lines between the tangible and the conceptual.
Nature serves as both muse and canvas for my explorations, with my paintings often depicting familiar landscapes transformed by a surreal, otherworldly aura. I employ a diverse array of mediums, from oil paint and watercolor to video, photography, sculpture, graphic design, and collage, embracing a multidisciplinary approach that allows me to push the boundaries of visual expression.
What sets me apart as an artist is not just my technical versatility but also my unwavering dedication to authenticity and exploration. From the serene beauty of a glowing tree to the enigmatic allure of a figure bathed in electric hues, each piece is a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
Reflecting on my journey, I take pride in the decision to pursue my passion for art wholeheartedly. In a world marked by uncertainty, art has been my constant companion, offering solace, inspiration, and a profound sense of purpose. As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am excited by the prospect of connecting with audiences who share my appreciation for the transformative power of creativity.
Whether you’re drawn to the evocative landscapes of my paintings or intrigued by the experimental nature of my multimedia projects, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Together, let us explore the vast tapestry of emotions, ideas, and sensations that define the human experience, one brushstroke at a time.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Reading plays a pivotal role in shaping my creative process, offering moments of profound inspiration and fostering a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial thinking. Much like painting, immersing myself in the pages of a book allows me to enter a state of flow, where ideas flow freely and insights abound. With a notebook always at hand, I try to capture these flashes of inspiration, weaving them into the tapestry of my artistic journey.
Among the literary works that have left a mark on my perspective are:
“The Complete Letters of Vincent van Gogh”: Offering a glimpse into the mind of a tormented genius, Van Gogh’s letters resonate with raw emotion and unyielding passion, serving as a poignant reminder of the artist’s unwavering commitment to his craft.
“Letters to a Young Poet”: Rainer Maria Rilke’s timeless correspondence brims with wisdom and introspection, offering invaluable insights on creativity, solitude, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
“Letters from a Stoic” by Seneca: Seneca’s stoic philosophy provides a blueprint for navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience, encouraging a mindset of self-reflection and virtuous living.
Vlogbrothers YouTube videos: With their engaging blend of humor, intelligence, and empathy, the Vlogbrothers’ videos offer thought-provoking commentary on a wide range of topics, from literature and science to social issues and personal growth.
“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett: Patchett’s masterful storytelling transports readers to a world of familial bonds, loss, and redemption, prompting introspection on the nature of love, forgiveness, and the passage of time.
Each of these resources has contributed to my evolving understanding of management and entrepreneurship, instilling in me a sense of curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Learning to unlearn is a fundamental aspect of artistic growth. For me, this journey of unlearning began in high school when I first encountered the daunting realm of oil painting.
Having honed my craft with acrylics, the transition to oils felt like stepping into uncharted territory. Despite the similarities between the two mediums, the nuances of oil painting demanded a complete reevaluation of my approach. It was as though I had to unlearn everything I knew about painting and embark on a journey of discovery.
This theme resurfaced during my college years when I ventured into the realm of aqueous painting. While I felt at ease with watercolors, the introduction of gouache presented a challenge. Once again, I found myself grappling with the sensation of forgetting how to paint, as I navigated the unfamiliar terrain of a new medium.
Yet, amidst the initial discomfort and uncertainty, these experiences proved to be catalysts for growth. Each encounter with a new medium pushed me beyond the confines of my comfort zone, compelling me to confront my preconceived notions and embrace the unfamiliar. Far from being a hindrance, the process of unlearning became a source of inspiration, fueling my desire to explore and innovate.
Contact Info:
- Website: racheleridder.com
- Instagram: @racheleridder
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-ridder-saunders-a6703014a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu0VEDXtrrSz4G_17Y5uk1g