We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Taggart. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In 2017 I was commissioned by the United Nations to design and produce award certificates to be presented to each of the 197 countries that make up the United Nations, on the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol was an international treaty that was designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. I created an original piece of art, a landscape painting, that I incorporated into the certificate design. The original painting now resides in the United Nations Environmental Headquarters in Nairobi. I was able to attend the ceremony in Montreal and meet many of the UN delegates who received my certificates.

This opportunity arose right as I was transitioning from my landscape series to my abstract paintings. In addition to being a great honour, this opportunity served as a nice closure and celebration of this body of work, for me.

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 am a self-taught artist. Growing up, life as an artist was never my formal plan, however my desire to create has always been a light within me, manifesting at various times as sewing or building projects, stained glass, or just about anything DIY. Following completion of diplomas in Biology, B.Sc. and Education, B.Ed., a yearning to further exercise my creative side emerged, and in 2001, I found myself in front of a canvas, brush in hand, on the brink of what has now become a 22-year art career. This career has seen me through exhibitions in Toronto and New York, gallery representation from coast-to-coast, and most importantly has allowed me to share my work with collectors world-wide.

I create (mostly) large scale abstract paintings. For many years, I painted impressionistic landscapes and skyscapes. In 2017, I transitioned to abstract painting.

Since I started my abstract series, my philosophy has been to simply give in to my inspiration in the moment. As creative professionals, we can get “stuck” trying to create for sales, or to please our audience or galleries who expect the familiarity of a certain type of work from us. I really think that mentality can hinder creativity. I know plenty of artists who have become tired of producing work in one style and dream of branching out, but fear having to “start over” again. When I transitioned to abstract painting, I consciously made my own enjoyment of the process my number one priority. I allowed myself to experiment with any idea that came to my head. As a result, I have three abstract styles that I am currently creating work in. I think this is what I am most proud of with my work. My commitment to being free in my creative exploration. I believe that when you are enjoying what you are doing, that is when your work is its most authentic.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the privilege of being able to build a career that centers around creativity, joy and fun. it’s the freedom to work within my own creative parameters and philosophy; to make my own rules. While being my own boss comes with a lot of personal responsibility and discipline, it also allows me the flexibility to carve out my own schedule, to create life balance, especially when it comes to family and other obligations in my life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Since transitioning to an abstract style of work in 2017, my number one goal in my creative journey has been to simply enjoy the process. There can be a lot of pressure to produce work that will sell, or please a certain audience. The reality is, as creatives, we will never please everyone, but we can always find personal joy and fulfillment in what we do. This is the basis of success, in my opinion. This is where authenticity originates, and everything else flows and falls into place from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: racheltaggart.com
• Instagram: @racheltaggartstudio
• Facebook: /racheltaggartstudio