Artist Biography:
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Rachel Freeman began making art at a young age. Her first art studio was her mother’s garden shed, which she transformed into a place of imagination and creativity with paint and brushes she found in a neighbor’s trash pile. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Studio Art from the University of North Florida in 2007. After graduating, Rachel moved to New York City and worked for Columbia University and Jedidiah Clothing. She then moved to Durham, North Carolina in July 2008. She is a member of the Durham Art Guild and North Carolina Arts Council. She is a dreamer, a lover, and a coffee-addict who wears a constant smile.
Artist Statement:
I work mostly with acrylic and mixed media including aerosol, charcoal, ink, and collage on paper and wood. To create active compositions, I use bold colors, strong lines, and varying textures. Themes in my pieces are expressions of my passions: people, social justice, faith, nature, love. I use my creativity to inform and encourage. People may not know the magnitude of child soldiering, the depth of corruption in our government, or the simple beauties of life. I want to spread awareness and messages of hope with my art.
My inspiration comes from books, quotes, traveling, people, conversations, and visual overload, i.e. cramming my head with images, artwork, photographs, nature, real-life observations, etc. I also draw inspiration from my own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Stylistically, I am inspired by urban art, illustration, and graphic design. I like the idea of simplicity having a significant and lasting meaning. Like how one thing you hear, read, or experience can change your life forever. I hope my life and my art will bring something meaningful to someone somewhere.
Photo Gallery:
Resume:
EDUCATION
BA, English, Studio Art Minor, University of North Florida, May 2007
EXHIBITIONS
2009 Annual Members’ Show – Durham Art Guild – Durham, NC
2009 Exhibiting Artist – Calmate Cafe – Port Orange, FL
2009 Sweet Arts Art Auction and Fundraiser – Durham Art Guild – Durham, NC
2009 Solo Exhibition – Francesca’s Dessert Cafe – Durham, NC
2009 Inaugural Small Work Invitational – Elon University – Elon, NC
2008 Members’ Holiday Exhibit and Sale – Durham Art Guild – Durham, NC
2007 Constitution Week – University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL
2007 Doc Fest ‘07 – University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Durham Art Guild
North Carolina Arts Council
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Present – tINK makes art, Owner/Principal – Durham, NC
Work with various fine art media including acrylic, collage, spray paint, ink, wood, canvas, and paper. Currently, explore re-purposing vintage, thrift, and recyclables into handcrafted, home decorations and furniture.
Present – Heather Garrett Design – Durham, NC
Assist customers with sales and inquiries.
2009-Present – Durham Art Guild, Exhibitions and Development Assistant- Durham, NC
Assist in the installation and exhibition of artists’ works in the gallery, setup for opening receptions and special events, and organization of guild memberships.
2009- Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, Intern – Durham, NC
Built the official CDS Facebook Page for online viral marketing. Maintain online community by posting events, exhibitions, notes, etc.
2007-2008 – Jedidiah Clothing, Online Communities Manager, Event Coordinator- New York, NY and Durham, NC
Maintained online social networking sites. Planned art shows, movie screenings, and other events to promote company and mission.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficient: Microsoft Office Software (Excel, Outlook, Visio, PowerPoint, Word), Visual Basic Programming (HTML), Windows 95/98/00/XP, Mac OS X, Sony Vegas 6.0, Windows Movie Maker, Iphoto, Adobe Fireworks
Knowledgeable: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Dreamweaver
