In anticipation of Rachael Ashe’s upcoming exhibition Patterns of Influence, we asked Rachael to share with us a bit about herself, her inspiration, her audience and her other projects. In this interview Rachael demonstrates a commitment to an ever-evolving practice and an unmatched drive to create with her hands. You can see Rachael’s new series of work during her solo gallery show at the CCBC from May 26 through to July 1, 2021.
I’m originally from Ontario and have lived in Vancouver for seventeen years. I am a photographer turned multi-disciplinary artist with a focus on paper-based work. My evolution as an artist, and the change in focus, happened over the years I’ve lived in Vancouver. I’ve experimented with ways of working with paper in different forms – collage, mixed media altered books – until I found my way to paper cutting. It’s this need to work with my hands, and a drive to experiment that led the way to where I am today.
I can’t recall when I first wanted to become an artist. Art has always been a part of my life, and I’ve made art in some form since I was a child. It was only in the past sixteen years that I’ve been attempting to focus on art as a professional career. What makes me want to be an artist is the passion and drive I have for making, and always wanting the work I create to continue to grow and evolve.
“It’s this need to work with my hands, and a drive to experiment that led the way to where I am today.”
When people see my work for the first time, they tend to be amazed that the pieces are made from paper, and that they are cut by hand. There is this sense of amazement and awe. With the current pattern mixing pieces people have been enjoying studying the different patterns and how they interact. People seem energized by the work.
When I’m not in the studio creating, I am usually out for a walk, reading a good book, enjoying a good meal with friends (when we could still do that), or visiting a gallery. I think the time spent outside of the studio is just as important as making time to create.
You can learn more about Rachael and see more of her work by following her on facebook, instagram and twitter and by heading over to her website. Rachael’s exhibition Patterns of Influence will be on view at the CCBC gallery from May 20 to July 1, 2021. Rachael will be in discussion with artist and friend Carlyn Yandle on May 26, 2021 at 6:00 PST, register to attend by donation here.
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