Congratulations to artist Rachel Wall, our latest ArtResin Winner! Rachel is an alcohol ink painter from Eagle River, Alaska who creates fluid artwork inspired by her natural surroundings: "Alaska is one giant state of beautiful inspiration. But, I have to have a direct connection to place, as it helps with the creating process. I need to have been there and experienced it in order to paint it."
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work
Absolutely! Driving around the state and its constantly changing scenery, tending to my ever-expanding garden or out camping with my family are huge influences.
What's your art background? Are you self-taught or did you study art?
I grew up in a very creative household and was always watching my mom create something. I then went to school to be an art teacher and took many art classes in college. However, learning the art of teaching art has really pushed me artistically. My artistic ability is positively challenged every day and my students truly help keep me creative!
Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?
I would say I am a full time artist. Sometimes my world revolves around helping others find their creative voice (high school art teacher), but it all ties back in with my own personal art as well. When I'm not cultivating creativity in my students, I'm creating myself. I'm always making something.
What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work?
I love the fluid nature of alcohol inks and their unpredictability. They are a hard medium to control and work with, but that's what draws me to them. It has helped me trust the process and relinquish the need to control every aspect. Sometimes letting the inks do their thing and going with the flow is the best route.
How did you discover resin?
I actually used it to cover our uniquely designed kitchen countertops and later explored covering my artworks, as the shine and brilliance of resin really makes the alcohol inks pop. It came as a way to elevate and finish off my artworks.
How has resin impacted your artwork?
It has elevated it, for sure! I am always hearing comments about how the shine from the resin makes my works stand out.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
I create my original artworks alcohol inks on synthetic paper or gessoed hardboard. The colors, patterns and textures I create are inspired by my own photographs and first-hand experiences here in Alaska. Once I am satisfied with the artwork, I scan and prepare the files from reproduction. Final giclee prints are mounted on cradled wood panels and coated in resin, for a high-end, quality finish. These days, I am primarily using resin to finish off giclee prints.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
Creating art isn't a want, it's a need! Creating art offers a place for my creative brain to flourish and process all the things from the day-to-day grind. It's an essential form of expression that can't be avoided! I create because my body and mind require it.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Hell yeah! It keeps me sane, and that's really what I teach in my classroom. Everyone needs an outlet to express, free of judgement. I don't create art for others, I create it for myself as a way to get all the stuff bottled up in my brain, out.
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
I hope they feel an emotional connection to a specific place. I hope they can relate to each painting, as if they've been there before and can feel like they are stepping into that location or experience. I want them to resonate with the colors and composition and the feelings they get from that.
How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like for you?
Feedback from viewers and collectors. For me, I feel like I've accomplished something when a piece all comes together and just works. It is an added bonus when a piece resonates with someone and they too connect with it.
What's your favorite resin tip you'd like to share with our readers?
Do some research on the process before you use it on something important! I spent a tremendous amount of time reading the FAQ portion on the ArtResin website, and reaching out to other artists who use it. Don't let your first pour be on that one piece that can't be replicated, meaning, do some practice runs first. Other than that, much of it comes through experience. You learn best from mistakes made.
Where do you sell your work?
On my website www.rachelwallfineart.com or in local businesses around Anchorage, Eagle River and Talkeetna, Alaska
Congratulations on your win, Rachel!
To see more of Rachel's art
Visit her website: www.rachelwallfineart.com
Follow her on Instagram: @artist.rachel.wall
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have shared the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: Celebrating 10 Years As The Original Epoxy For Resin Art!
