DKG Arts Gallery Blog: Artist’s Spotlight

Rachael Walker, Louisiana State Organization, Rho Chapter

Walking into the art classroom of our Spotlight artist, Rachael Walker, of the Louisiana State Organization, you are surrounded by student work, historical artists, and their expressions and most importantly, constant reminders on the walls to inspire her students.  One such inspirational phrase is a favorite one that has been a constant in her classroom since year one of now ten… “Use your mistakes.”  She is affirming to her students that they can be free and secure in this space to express themselves, and that there are no mistakes, just possible opportunities to take another direction.  The Arts and Humanities Jury Blog interviewed Rachael Walker from our Spring Gallery for her quirky, detailed “Birds with Wigs” watercolor series.  Intrigued, we wanted to know a little more about her evolving interest as an art teacher and conversely, a commercial artist.  Take a moment to enjoy as we delved deeper into Rachael’s art philosophy and her joy in watercolor.

You primarily work in watercolor.  How did you decide upon this medium of art?

After graduating from college with a Fine Arts degree, I began working at an art supply store. I was struggling with figuring out my path as an artist. There was a large professional grade set of watercolors that was damaged and discounted. I purchased that set and began to build on my knowledge of this medium. I still use colors from that set today. There is a forgiving nature to painting with watercolor. Watercolor can be easily manipulated even after it is dry. I love the process of layering, defining, and developing value through this act of editing. I find comfort in knowing what is painted on the page isn’t always permanent as it parallels how we choose to live our lives.

What was your inspiration to paint your “Birds with Wigs” series?

I did most of my undergraduate work on how the life cycle of birds mirrored myself as a woman at that time. Later in life, I was thinking about representing this parallel idea of birds as women in relation to my previous work. I wanted this series to be less of a serious study and more of a joyful characterization of powerful women. From there, “Birds with Wigs” was born.  

 

In your view, what is the value of the creative arts in education?

When students learn to create and appreciate art, they develop skills that support healthy mental wellness. I find that with teaching art to my students, I am also teaching empathy, social awareness, confidence, and accountability.

What would you say was the best piece of advice given to you as an artist?

I read a quote by the artist, Hunt Slonem, that I think of often. He said, “I decided repetition was not a dirty word.” As educators, there is sometimes a push to start over, reinvent, and try new ways of teaching core concepts. There is a parallel to this idea in the art world. I feel comfort in reminding myself to teach the knowledge that feels right and to paint the subjects that bring me joy. That act doesn’t always have to be reinvented as time passes.

And one more thing we thought you should know….

Inspired by the words of Henri Matisse, “Creativity takes courage,” Rachael admittedly was a shy child who found art as a comforting respite.  Crediting teachers who nurtured her talents, she blossomed and continued her love of art through her career path as an art teacher.  Today, Rachael shares her artwork at local charity auctions supporting non-profit efforts within the community.  She has been featured on the Avid Pen blog site as a budding and “someone to watch” artist for her unique watercolors and designs. Rachael was chosen to participate within the New Orleans art market community and has been asked to exhibit her work locally, most recently in the spring of 2021 at the Slidell Cultural Arts Center in Slidell, Louisiana.  In addition to being an active DKG (a recent LA Southeast Rosebud Awardee), wife and mother of a precocious, four-year old, this junior high art teacher recently held a ribbon-cutting for her new art studio, Rachael Roxanne by Hand.  She has taken a passionate dream, mixed it with her own courage, to become a reality. All inspired by her pure joy of art. 

 

Let’s keep the conversation going, if you would like to comment or suggest a topic for a future blog post, please let us know in the comment section.  We look forward to posting our fall Art Gallery in the upcoming month.