Visual Preludes 2006 - Friendship with God

These paintings explore the connection between spiritual and everyday life. I believe that making visual art prepares us in small ways to meet greater obstacles with creativity and grace. I am especially interested in how prayer allows us to view problems as opportunities, and fears as challenges to move ahead.

The images of animals, family members, and celestial forces are visual metaphors for finding courage to live out faith, celebrating the gift of motherhood, and paying close attention to the ephemeral quality of our physical existence. The paintings make tangible a personal point of view, about how the creative power of collective hope and shared vision for change is the only pathway to an equitable and just future for all.

Rachel's paintings are influenced by her love of pattern, color, a collection of folk art, and her work teaching studio classes for adults and children. She exhibits her paintings throughout the Midwest.

Rachel owns and operates Imagine Art Studio, a unique storefront studio space for children and families in Chicago's suburbs. She is a presenter and consultant on children's creative processes and developing learning environments that promote discovery through self-expression.