I gather all the elements I have cut and then throw them up in the air, so they are very loose… it looks like there is a bit of a breeze.
Rachel hand cuts tiny birds, flowers, people, or other figures and meticulously gathers them creating ethereal yet substantial compositions. Her figures and forms are cut from watercolour paper that is spray-painted. White, black, or grey on white, each separate piece of patiently cut paper is grouped together to form a larger three-dimensional piece.
Despite the intensely laborious process of cutting each shape by hand, Rachel’s works have a fluid energy. Some works are calm; others are frenzied as the separate cuttings sweep up into one greater scenario. In some works, Rachel conveys a sense of realisation through the stirring of movement and in others a feeling of things being static and resigned. Each tiny figure is attached to the paper on white painted pins creating infinite shadows. The shadows are an integral part of the piece, changing as the light changes. In time, the eye stops focusing on the tiny figures to only perceive the shadows they project.
“I like to show figures in unusual poses caught in a split second of time. For example bodies flying or jumping representing freedom of spirit, joy or fearlessness and in contrast, I also like static figures that hopefully convey clarity, calmness, a coming to terms – whatever they invoke in the viewer.”
Rachel studied Illustration at Brighton Art School. She spent many years as an illustrator and subsequently concentrated on fine art. Rachel has been represented by jaggedart since 2009.