For Oregon native Rachel Ann Austin, the path to working as an artist was a rather random one. Before dedicating herself entirely to her artwork, the graduate in management and finance had worked at a non-profit organization (which turned out to frustrate her) and at an art supply store (which turned out to be amazingly educating in terms of materials and supplies) in her hometown of Portland. All along, Austin had creative interests on the side, which eventually took center stage when she started selling her first paintings out of a window in that very same art supply store.
Over the past years, the city of Portland, Oregon not only positioned itself on the forefront of a more eco-conscious and considerate way of life, with free inner city public transportation, an extensive recycling system and a focus on outdoor sports and activities, but also as a haven for artists of varied genres. “Portland is a great place to be an artist as there are lots of opportunities to show your work at all sorts of different levels. I feel Portland really supports local artists and appreciates what they do,” says Austin. Living up to the local vibe, Austin found herself quitting her job, which she “never would have imagined” and, now, painting full time. With things going really well, Austin had her husband come on board to take care of the business aspects.
“My art, mainly the mixed media series, comes from simple images inspired by sweet moments or glimpses. I like to paint things that seem a bit lonely and peaceful – a single bird on a wire, a random paper airplane floating above an abstract field of flowers,” says Austin. Inspired by color and simple shapes and patterns, her recent works have actual maps as a base, covered with waxy looking layers on which she then draws and paints mostly floral motifs and the aforementioned lonely birds. With the map of far away places hovering in the background, Austin’s work has a certain longing and gentle sadness to it, and yet the well positioned splashes of color render them cheerful at the same time.
Link:
www.rachelannaustin.com
