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

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking risks in my work has meant allowing myself to make paintings that feel more raw, vulnerable, and true, without being overly concerned with how they will be read by others. That shift was necessary to reach a deeper level of authenticity. One of the most meaningful compliments I have ever received came from someone who said they had never understood how something ugly could also be beautiful until they encountered my work.
Much of what I make is rooted in uncertainty, grief, and disorientation, but there is always an undercurrent of humor and tenderness. I am interested in the act of charting a course through ambiguity, of finding your way when there are no clear maps to follow. I am drawn to work that resists neat resolution and refuses to follow prescribed formal rules. The unfinished, the awkward, and the unruly spaces between things interest me.
Embracing that lack of polish—allowing the work to remain open rather than sewn up tight—has been one of the greatest risks I have taken, and ultimately one of the most rewarding.

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

I often think back to a trip I took to Italy decades ago. I had no idea at the time how much it would change the course of my life. Seeing extraordinary works of art in person, wandering through cities and small towns, and being surrounded by the architecture, landscapes, and history made me look at the world differently. Something clicked. I came home knowing that art wasn’t just something I loved—it was something I needed to devote myself to.
I am an abstract painter, educator, and lifelong student of art. My practice has evolved over many years, and I continue to challenge myself to make work that is more honest, personal, and authentic. I am interested in exploration rather than certainty and in creating paintings that leave room for ambiguity and discovery. I believe some of the most meaningful work comes from taking risks, suspending judgment, and learning to trust your own voice.
Alongside my studio practice, teaching has been one of the greatest joys of my life. There is nothing more rewarding than watching students move beyond self-consciousness and begin to create work that is deeply personal and uniquely their own. I spend a great deal of time reading about art, developing lesson plans, and introducing students to both celebrated artists and those whose contributions have too often been overlooked. I am particularly passionate about bringing attention to women artists, whose work and accomplishments have frequently been marginalized in traditional histories.
More than anything, I want people to know that I truly love what I do. I am endlessly curious and always looking, reading, and learning. I am most proud of continuing to push myself—to make new work, to take risks, and to become more authentic in both my art and my life. I hope that enthusiasm is contagious. Whether through my paintings or my teaching, I want to support anyone who is interested in developing their own creative practice and discovering what is uniquely theirs. Art has given me a lifetime of purpose and wonder, and I can’t imagine ever losing my curiosity or passion for it.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative person has been the opportunity to spend time with other artists and to collaborate across disciplines. Some of my favorite experiences have come from working with people whose practices are very different from my own. One of the most memorable projects I was involved with brought together an orchestra, a dance company, a puppeteer, and a sculptor. I had the privilege of helping to create and facilitate the performance, and watching so many creative voices come together to make something larger than any one person could have imagined was incredibly inspiring.
Community has always been central to what I do. I once stepped into a nonprofit arts organization that was struggling and, with an amazing team of dedicated people, helped reimagine it into a vibrant and thriving community. Together, we revitalized the brand, expanded the exhibition schedule, and developed collaborations that brought artists and audiences together in meaningful ways. It reinforced my belief that creativity flourishes when people work collectively and support one another.
Teaching has also shown me the power of community. Over the years, many of my classes have evolved into close-knit groups whose members remain friends for years. These communities include people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience, and I love watching them encourage one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and discover their own unique voices. In many ways, those relationships are among the things I am most proud of. Art can be solitary, but I have found that some of its greatest rewards come through connection, generosity, and shared curiosity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At its core, my creative journey is fueled by curiosity. I don’t think of art as something you ever master or arrive at. For me, it is an ongoing investigation that never becomes boring. There is always another question to ask, another artist to discover, another way of seeing. Following the journeys of other artists—their struggles, breakthroughs, and unique ways of making sense of the world—has been as important to me as making my own work. Learning about art feels a bit like learning another language, one that is intertwined with history, culture, and human experience. The more I learn, the more I realize there is to explore, and that endless sense of discovery is what continues to inspire and sustain me. I hope to pass that same sense of wonder and curiosity on to others and to create spaces where people feel free to investigate, experiment, and find their own voices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rachelvolpone.com
• Instagram: @rachelvolpone