In her studio, beside the press. (2021)


Rachel studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London, followed by a post graduate in Printmaking at the University of Brighton gaining a distinction. She has exhibited extensively over the years in group, solo and national exhibitions, including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Her work is in many private collections in this country and abroad as well as featuring in Film and TV productions.

Rachel’s work considers landscape, both as reference to real place and to the imaginary. It has echoes of the fragility of life and moments of reflection and joy in its endeavour to capture the moment.

 

Choosing etching as her main medium sets its own challenges, as this is a lengthy process, but provides a wide scope in mark making. Over the years Rachel has experimented with the parameters of etching and a variety of metals, their potential and their limitations. The sugar lift process applied with a paintbrush, and the use of aquatint, allows expression through painterly marks alongside the fine line of drypoint, where marks are directly scored into the metal plate.

Each work is made and printed by hand, with most images involving more than one plate, for example a black and a colour plate. The colour is often applied with a ‘poupée’, a small piece of scrim, and further colour is sometimes added by the use of the chine collé technique, where fine oriental papers are added during the printing process. All of the editions are small.

Copper/Steel Plate Etchings

- Recent Work & Archive



 Defining her work succinctly as about the ‘figure in the landscape’ her interests and concerns rest in areas of human response to ‘place’ and the fragility of life. Inner and outer worlds are juxtaposed providing a unique language of landscape. Inspired by traditional techniques her work has a contemporaneous quality offering a fresh look at the world.

Monoprint & Pastel

- Recent Work & Archive


‘On the other hand, the monoprint is more immediate and therefore closer to drawing and painting. However, like etching, for me the challenges are in its limitations where selection is direct and intuitive. The result entertains an element of surprise.’ 

Drypoint Etchings

- Recent Work & Archive



‘My considerations are our 'fragile' relationship with nature. Myth and symbol are explored as a means of identification with the world. I am interested in play, comedy, mystery and the possibilities of dance and its roots in communication'.