Artist Statement
Artwork, for me, is a practice of deepening trust in my own inner knowing. I do not have a plan when I begin and am wholly surrendering to the impulses that guide me: letting go and trusting in the intelligence that seems to come from something beyond the thinking mind. My artistic expression aims to fully embody and inhabit complete freedom. I'm interested in finding the line between what is deemed beautiful and what is not, how far can I push it, how far can I let go and still be met with beauty.
Biography
Rachel Nelson is an artist working primarily with encaustic while also exploring texture through acrylic and mixed media. Her work blends sculptural and painting elements, resulting in meditative surfaces that embody spontaneity and surrender.
Rachel’s artistic process is deeply intuitive, driven by trust in the unknown. Rather than adhering to predetermined compositions, her process embraces the unfolding of the medium, reflecting a psychological and emotional yielding. This dynamic invites a dialogue between control and chaos and pushes the boundaries between beauty and imperfection.
For over 15 years, Rachel’s experimental approach has cultivated an intuitive and often spiritual experience, centering spontaneity as a guiding force. Each piece emerges from a raw, visceral instinct, sparked by color, layering, texture, and the emotional tone of the moment.
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy, a background that informs her understanding of art as a practice of excavating truth and deep inner knowing.
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Exhibitions
2024 Stillness, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ (May)
2024 COLLABORATION, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ (March)
2023 Dia De Los Muertos Exhibition, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2023 Artists of WAMO exhibition, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2023 Juried Exhibition, Daydreamin’, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2023 The Disparate Divine Feminine, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2023 Cupid’s Comeuppance, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2022 Waterline, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2022 Oscillation, Terra Massage and Wellness, Tucson, AZ
2022 Still, Untitled Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2022 Fire Exhibition, Tohono Chul Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2022 Steinfeld Artists Summer Exhibition, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2022 Encaustic Art Gallery Exhibition, Ventana Gallery, Oro Valley, AZ
2022 Before the Monsoon, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2022 Celebration of Solitude, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2021 Turning Point, Steinfeld Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2019 Small Works, Untitled Gallery, Tucson, AZ
2011 Solo Exhibition, The Artist in Art Therapy, Cultural Arts Center, MCC-Longview, Lee’s Summit, MO
2009 Two-Person Exhibition, Gillioz Theater Gallery, Springfield, MO
Media
2024 Interview with 99.1FM Downtown Radio (Tucson)
