Rachel Wiley, Visual Artist, Galveston Island, Texas.

Artist Statement

"I was fortunate enough to have been born a third generation artist and so, whether by nature or nurture, I've decided that seeing and creating as a visual artist is one of my favorite aspects of being human. In my work I aspire to achieve a successful balance between skillfully abstracted observations and interesting mark-making. I love taking photographs of everything and I am committed to seeing the unnoticed, the forgotten, and the seemingly insignificant scenes that surround us. Currently I am showing work that includes a series of urban landscapes that highlight the commuter experience, rural landscapes of Texas, Nevada, and Alaska, and various portraits, still life, and perspective studies. I have a long way to go to build my practice and skills, but I draw and paint every single day to achieve my goals. I am so grateful to get to know and share ideas with other creative and thoughful individuals. Constantly inspired and wanting to study on more  fields than I can name, I am attempting to see and read and travel and create as  much as possible in the short life that I've been given. Painting out in the fresh air, the smell of grass and trees and dirt abound, with my wonderful pup at my  side, I am the happiest in my very blessed life.

I am currently working on my B.F.A., studying Studio Processes and Art History. My interests in the dynamics of living creatures will hopefully culminate into a complete Biology degree as well. Reading and writing are such essential parts of my creative process that when I find the money and time I would love to work on a degree in Literature as well. I am proud to be a perpetual student and artist. Our culture may not venerate those of who can’t quickly make up our minds on one path, but that by no means makes there anything wrong with it. The more I learn, the more I’m certain of that. What I will do next is not as important as what I  do today - and today I’m committed to keeping my child-mind active and thriving."

www.rachelwiley.com