Artist interview - Rachel Rea - New Creatives
Plant sciences and the world beneath your feet
About The Artist: rachel rea
Rachel’s artistic practice is a dynamic exploration of material communication, circularity, and the intricate interplay between the human-made and the natural world. Grounded in an appreciation for the multifaceted systems of existence, she often delves into themes of biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature while integrating closed-loop systems into her creative process. Her work can be tactile, visual and atmospheric, and with the choice of topics in the work that she makes and collaborates in, these techniques are effective in communicating some pressing concerns of our time: ‘waste and consumption of plastic products and the devastation of vital ecological systems by climate change’.
what inspired the body of work you exhibited at Everybody arts?
My fascination with the living world and natural phenomena shines through in your artistic journey. Inspired by remarkable examples like the living root bridges in Meghalaya and artists such as Zena Holloway and Dianne Scherer, I embarked on a captivating exploration. While my initial vision was to create sculptures from living materials like roots, your journey led you down an intriguing path toward the microbial world. It's a testament to the dynamic nature of artistic inspiration and the endless possibilities for creative expression.
can you describe your artistic journey leading up to your time in the new creatives programme?
My artistic journey leading up to this exhibition has been multifaceted. With experience in costume, theatre, film, and set design, I've developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling. However, it was my concern for climate-related issues that drove me to shift my focus towards visual and applied arts. I aim to use my work to address topics such as waste, closed loop systems, and environmental awareness, leveraging art as a means to visually engage audiences with our natural world.
Could you walk us through your creative process for the pieces in your exhibition?
I am interested in exploring additional training or workshops focused on cultural competency and effective communication across diverse cultural contexts that incorporate, permaculture and sustainable practices
My creative process for the pieces in this exhibition typically begins with a deep exploration of the theme or concept I want to convey. I start by researching and gathering inspiration, often drawing from various sources such as literature, nature, or current events. Once I have a clear vision in mind, I usually sketch out initial ideas or create mood boards to capture the aesthetic and mood I want to evoke. From there, I experiment with different materials and techniques, allowing the process to be fluid and intuitive.
Collaboration is also a significant part of my process. I often bounce ideas off colleagues or seek feedback from trusted peers to refine and strengthen my concepts. As I work on each piece, I remain open to unexpected discoveries and happy accidents, which often lead to new directions or insights. Ultimately, my goal is to create artworks that not only visually captivate but also provoke thought and spark dialogue among viewers
Can you share any memorable moments from the process of creating the pieces in your exhibition?
My background in circularity by design and closed-loop systems has deeply influenced my approach to this project. I prioritize using materials that are sustainably sourced, ethical, recycled, or bio-compostable. This commitment led me to explore how I could transform the artwork itself into a growing experience. By ensuring that there is no waste generated at the end of the exhibition, I aim to leave behind a lasting legacy of environmental consciousness.
How did the gallery space here at Everybody Arts influence the presentation of your work?
The space boasts an exceptional quality of light, with both south and north-facing aspects. Given my use of various media, including projections, I deliberately aimed for a darker aesthetic to facilitate these projections, which serve as the pinnacle interactive element within the overall space.
In terms of layout, my objective was to create a 'mad lab' experience. This involved designing a spacious area where my work could be presented alongside microscopes, archive materials, and hydroponics. This arrangement allows visitors to visually comprehend the research process I undertook, focusing on cellular exploration and microscopy.
Do you draw inspiration from any particular artists, movements, or cultural influences?
Artists like Olafur Eliasson and Diane Scherer inspire me with their innovative approaches to environmental art and their ability to provoke thought and engagement with pressing issues. I'm also influenced by movements such as environmental art, land art, and ecofeminism, which advocate for a deeper connection with nature and emphasize sustainability. Cultural influences from indigenous perspectives on stewardship of the land and traditional ecological knowledge also inform my work, as I seek to incorporate diverse perspectives into my artistic practice. Overall, my inspiration comes from a wide range of sources that reflect my commitment to environmental consciousness and social responsibility.
What have you gained from your time in the New Creatives programme?
The programme often helped me nurture my own talent, by encouraging me to explore innovative ways for storytelling. I benefited from their mentorship, workshops, and access to resources that helped me to develop my own practice. Overall, the New Creatives programme gave valuable exposure and support for me as an emerging artist and helped me look to establish a different direction within the creative industry.
Lastly, what advice would you give to emerging artists who aspire to exhibit their work in galleries or other art institutions?
Network and collaborate: Build relationships with fellow artists, curators, and gallery owners. Attend exhibitions, artist talks, and networking events to connect with others in the art community. Collaboration can also open up new opportunities and perspectives for your work.
Research and target galleries: Take the time to research galleries or art institutions that align with your artistic practice and goals. Look into their exhibition history, submission guidelines, and mission statement to ensure compatibility.
About The New Creatives Project
Real living wage traineeship programmes
New Creatives is a training and mentorship programme that will help to kick start the careers of four emerging artists in Calderdale.
During their six-month paid placement, the successful candidates have the opportunity to earn, learn and create at the same time. They will gain valuable skills and mentoring tailored to their practise and will be supported in developing a new cultural activity that will engage and inspire the people of Calderdale to be more creative in their everyday lives. In October 2023 we were pleased to welcome the first two artists to the programme, Rachel Rea and Adelle A’asante.
With the support of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council’s Culture Grants, New Creatives seeks to address some of the challenges and barriers that exist in the cultural sector by empowering the next generation of visual artists underrepresented by the cultural sector.
