Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Mambach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
Hmmm. Let’s go with worst. That’s more fun! Early on in my business, I was setting up at a lot of craft shows as well as trying to get my art into stores. My end goal at the time was to get it into stores so I could stop the craft fairs. I truly loved meeting the people who bought my art, but it was really a dream to be able to just make my art and then have other people sell it for me. That’s so much more time efficient! Anyway, there was a new store in the area that was opening soon, and it was designed to sell work created by artists, artisans, and crafters on consignment. I got in early, and the owner loved my work. She used it in articles about the shop and used me as an example to show other artists who were applying to be accepted at the shop…all before the shop opened. She also wanted to make the work available online, and had a track record of successful business ventures. It seemed too good to be true…so clearly it was! She asked me to make several copies of each thing I made, but still keep it handmade. I made five of everything. So clearly to keep up with this requirement, but also to make the endeavor worthwhile, I watered down my art and also made a bunch of prints of certain originals. Long story short, I was PREPARED. However, I was not prepared for HER to not be prepared. She didn’t realize that her demographic wanted things that could be used like mugs with pictures on them, tote bags, signs with words, and other things that the artist could make one of and then have printed over and over. The artists who had been in business longer than me knew this so they were successful, and I was stuck with lots of art that I wouldn’t have normally made. Her shop closed after less than five years, and it definitely affected my business early on. If I had known then what I know now, it would have been a very different experience for me. I would have invested my time and money differently, and would have stood my ground. I wouldn’t have handmade several versions of the same art piece. It’s not how I operate. My art is one of a kind. Do I have my art printed on things like tote bags now? Yes, I do, but it’s on my own terms.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember. My father, Alex Mambach, is an exceptional painter so the influence and encouragement were always there. My art has evolved, but some things have remained the same. I’ve always loved bright bold colors, intricate patterns, and texture. Recently, I’ve been making a lot of mandalas. I feel such a sense of calm while I am creating them, and it’s so much fun to experiment with different colors and patterns. I have quite a few mandala process reels on Instagram @rachelmambachart, and they are really fun to watch! I also create, what I call, embroidered paintings. I generally make these on stretched burlap, and they are a combination of an acrylic painting, embroidery, and beading. I don’t think that acrylic painting, sewing, or beading are individually my strengths, but they somehow work for me when I combine them. I’ve struggled throughout my art career to create art that I feel is blatantly different than other artists, but I think my embroidered paintings fulfill that need for me.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Hang art, not TVs. Can we get that on a bumper sticker? Maybe I should design one! Sounds silly, but it’s true! That is precious wall space that could be used for artwork. Artwork belongs above your mantle. Growing up, the only room with a TV was the basement. Our living room was filled with art and books. Do I have a TV in my living room now? Yes, but it’s NOT on the wall, and we don’t currently have a finished basement.
I should probably also talk about AI here. Does AI artwork have it’s place? I’m not really sure because I haven’t figured that out yet. Can real human artists and designers create artwork that is as good or better than AI? Yes. We have over 1500 years of evidence. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa as early as 1503, and he wasn’t the first great artist.
So in closing, how can society support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem? Buy art from artists. Keep art in schools. Encourage play and creativity in children.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
We seem to be living in particularly tumultuous times. I want my art to be beautiful and to add more beauty to the world. Dark deep art has it’s place, but so does beautiful art. If art is to be an escape from reality, I want my escape to be beautiful. If art should carry a message, I want my message to be happiness. There is a push for art to be cutting edge. I just want people to want to look at my art and feel good. It’s like a little colorful break from reality.
I also want to make the world a better place with my art, and I understand that money is one way to do that. One of the avenues for selling my art is my Threadless site. I sell things like tote bags, backpacks, notebooks, pillows, and other products that I design with my artwork. I donate 10% of profits from each sale on the Threadless site to the Anti-Defamation League. The Anti-Defamation League works to battle anti-Semitism and hatred.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelmambach.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelmambachart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelmambachart
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/
Rachelmambachart