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

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m truly living my best life as an artist. Each day that I create is a day I get to follow my intuition, and learn more about myself.

Whether pouring transparent layers of paint, blending inks, or using fire to sculpt and scorch, I let the my work unfold as I go. It excites me to never know precisely where I’ll end up!

That’s freedom. And that’s my idea of happiness.

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 found the artist within me later than most. And it happened in an unusual way.

One night, I had a dream about oil paint sticks. This was odd… I’d been a clinical social worker, and an entrepreneur—I’d never been comfortable making art. But the next day, I bought some paint sticks.

Soon after, I felt compelled to dig into my new art supplies. I spent the entire night exploring, and was deeply immersed.

Before I knew it, the sun was rising, and I somehow understood that art would become a significant part of my life. I’ve been painting ever since!

I think I’ve always been an artist. I’d just never *thought* of myself as one. Letting go of preconceived self-notions, and becoming curious about myself instead awakened my creative self.

A critical part of my creative expression is following my curiosity, and using art mediums in non-traditional ways. I play with unusual combinations of paints and inks. I use fire on recycled plastic sheets and turn them into wall sculptures called Stone Roses, and into sculpted flora for paintings. I torch wood panels, which evokes a variety of natural weathering and patina.

My art is my emotions and soul laid bare, and this translates through my work. It’s something I’m proud of, and I love that people feel my art as much as they see it.

The creative process feels personal to me. But once a piece is finished, I think it becomes a unique, shared experience between the art, the artist, and the viewer.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As a self-taught artist, I had to unlearn what I thought art was *supposed* to be in order to make art that was authentic.

While growing up, I failed to fully execute most assignments that my art teachers gave me… I was aways tasked with replicating an idea that was foisted upon me. Making art felt boring and tedious. I decided I was horrible at it, and I hated it for years.

When I allowed myself to explore freely as an adult, everything changed. I understood that that art is whatever I want it to be.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think that non-creatives might struggle to understand that, for me, making art requires a lot of stillness and stretches of time that may seem empty or unproductive. But when I’m daydreaming, zoning out, meditating, or staring at a painting in progress, I’m doing important work.

In these spaces, shapes, colors, and ideas are marinating beneath my consciousness. I’m problem-solving. I’m finding new perspectives. I’m connect with myself, and restoring energy that will soon be poured into my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: Rachelpruzanart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelpruzanstudio?igsh=MTNqc2g5ajd1OHA3MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Lisa Rayman Goldfarb Yvonne Duck