Out of many, one. Employing ancient, Huichol beading techniques, Rachel paints with glass beads to express the beauty and depth of a close-up view of natural and human made subjects. Whether creating a pattern found on the petals of a flower, giving voice to the repeating texture of ripping water, or detailing a much loved textile print, each work presents the challenge of creating a cohesive composition out of many tiny pieces.

When I think of heaven
Deliver me in a black-winged bird
I think of flying down into a sea of pens and feathers
And all other instruments of faith and sex and God
In the belly of a black-winged bird
~Counting Crows "Rain King"

Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity. ~Terri Guillemets

“I survived, carried on, glad to be like a weed, a wild red poppy, rooted in life.”
~ Marilyn Buck

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
~ Marcel Proust

“Don’t think for one second you can’t be anything you want to be— a warrior, a goddess, a queen-bee.”
~Melody Lee

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way... things I had no words for.”
~ Georgia O'Keeffe

“The state of female artists is very good. But the very definition of art has been biased in that “art” was what men did in a European tradition and “crafts” were what women and natives did. But actually it’s all the same”. ~ Gloria Steinem

SOLO SHOW

February 3 - 27, 2021

Gallery Location and Hours:

Multnomah Arts Center
7688 SW Capitol Highway
Portland, OR 97219
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

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Artist's Statement

I have long held the belief that little things often have the greatest impact.
I have pursued many artistic endeavors throughout my lifetime. However, it wasn’t until I purchased a Huichol style beading kit that I knew I had found my chosen medium. A consistent theme in my art is the representation of pattern and texture. Putting tiny beads together to show the intricate nature of a subject continues to be an inspiration and challenge for me. Whether creating a pattern found on the petals of a flower, giving voice to the repeating pattern of rippling water or detailing a much loved textile print, I am drawn to the challenge of creating a cohesive artwork out of many tiny pieces. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a piece and know I created it out of thousands of tiny beads, for it is when a subject successfully communicates the definition of gestalt: an organized whole perceived as more than the sum of its parts, I know my piece is complete.

"These pieces are beautifully created and reflect a spirit of gentleness."

Barbara Barnett

"Beautiful artwork! My commissioned peice came fast and with the utmost love and care put into each bead. Highly recommend for a unique one of a kind gift for a loved one or yourself!"

Amy Simon

"These pieces of artistry are jut that. Artistry! I find them inspirational, serene and beautiful! I wish the artist well so that more and more can enjoy and appreciate her work."

SOLO SHOW

Artist's Statement

Barbara Barnett

Amy Simon

Jan Gottberg