Rachel Lawell

Rachel Lawell

What is your typical studio routine?

My typical studio routine varies from week to week, as I work Monday to Friday and as a parent, I find it’s difficult to prioritise time for the studio, it requires a lot of planning and organisation to accommodate.

When I am working in the studio, my time spent there is very focused as I can’t afford to waste time. As soon as I arrive in the studio, I pick up a brush and start to paint straight away, I would usually be working on more than one painting at a time so I can choose which painting I feel like starting on the day. I really enjoy and value my studio space when I do get to spend time creating in it.

How do you describe your practice?

I am fine art painter, predominately painting figures and portraits. I would describe my practice as being fairly unpredictable; I usually start a painting without careful structure and thought, I like to start painting on the canvas with large brush strokes and see where it takes me. I really enjoy the freedom of painting like this, however when working on a specific commission or project this process isn’t always viable.

How long have you been working as an artist?

Since graduating from Ulster University in 2016, I have continued to work as an artist part time. I was lucky enough to obtain a studio in QSS in 2018 and I have been working from here since!

Is it difficult being back in the studio after an exhibition?

Yes. I find it difficult to get back into the routine of making time for the studio and pushing yourself to create new works without having the pressure of a deadline. I have recently just had a solo exhibition in April this year and it’s been difficult to get back into the mindset of creating every day.

What is the best advice you have been given as an artist?

The best advice I’ve been given as an artist is to just continue to make the work. The work will eventually speak for itself and as long as you continue to create, opportunities will arise.

What jobs have you done, other than being an artist?

Other than being an artist, I currently work as an Operations Administrator. I have also previously worked as an art facilitator, working with adults with learning difficulties and providing art workshops to families, youth groups and children in schools.

About Rachel

Rachel Lawell is an Irish visual artist specialising in fine art painting, based in Belfast. Lawell graduated from Belfast School of Art with a BA Honours Degree in 2016 and went on to study a Master’s degree at Queens University Belfast in Film and Visual Studies (2017) where she graduated with Commendation. Since graduating, Lawell has consistently exhibited throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Lawell’s work is highly influenced by film and the portrayal of the female form in cinema; especially from the old Hollywood era. Her work is motivated by nature and spontaneous vivid colour use.

Website: rachellawellart.com 

Instagram: @rachellawellart

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