Rachael DiRenna Sculptor
I love this time of year, when the trees are bare and their structure and personality is visible. Each tree’s outstretched branches reach out to me and tell me who they are. When I saw Rachael’s Tree Spirits I knew that we are kindred souls.
Rachael was born and raised in the Mt.Washington area of Pittsburgh, PA.
It is hard to believe when you see Rachael’s art that she has had no formal art training. She told me that she has always been interested in art and was usually creating something, but that she has had no training. She was very young when her first child was born and that sidetracked her.
This used to bother her but now she feels that, because she has not had any training, makes her art a “little different”.
She has no pre-conceived ideas about what each piece should be, “I just make what I feel”
Her inspiration comes from mythic art, books and music that she loves. Her favorite work are always, her "strangest pieces".
Rachael said “I had played with polymer clay before, but paper just clicked for me. I work in paper mache because I love it. It is such a versatile medium. People actually make furniture from it. I find it so satisfying to take waste paper and create something beautiful. It is non-toxic, cheap, environmentally friendly, and the different handmade and specialty papers available are gorgeous. I got started in paper mache about 5 yrs ago because I wanted masks of my children’s faces. It was a small step to then creating figures."
I asked her whether she is a full time artist and what she calls herself.....a figurative artist, doll artist or a sculptor?
She replied: "I am not a full time artist, 3 kids makes that not financially feasible, but I hope someday to be".
I guess I usually call myself a sculptor but I don't really think about it. I just love to create. It feels so good when someone likes my work. Its such a high to connect with people that way. I just really wish I had more time to devote to it".
Rachael’s work is in private collections worldwide. She is a member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh and has work at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. In November Rachael was featured on Endicott Studio's blog, Endicot Redux
Rachael said: "My tree goddesses are very important to me. I cannot look at trees without seeing people and I try to portray that in my work. They come to life for me while I am making them and I hope that anyone who owns a piece can feel it also".
Take a look at Rachael's Tree Goddesses and Tree Spirits. I am sure you will agree with me, that they are amazing and that you will look for the Spirits and the Goddesses the next time you see a tree.
Labels: Artist Profiles
25 Comments:
Mo'a
Thank you so much. This is a wonderful article & I feel so honored that you would even want to feature my work. I love that you feature different artists & being included with them is amazing.
Rachael: It is my pleasure and honor to feature your work here.
Your work is.......as I just said on the list....unique, elegant and graceful.
Rachael, please feel free to respond to the comments that you get here :)
Mo'a - what a fabulous spread of gorgeous art! Thank you for showing Rachael's incredible work to us. When I look at trees, I also envision a living being within, but have not the talent to bring him or her out to view. These are perfectly beautiful, and Rachael I comment you on your beauty created.
Thanks for the introduction, M'oa; the stories trees might tell us, no? Very Beautiful work, Rachael.
Mo'a I am so glad you are featuring Rachael's work! Her work is truly wonderful- so unique. I visit her blog often to keep up with her new art work.
Peace-
Linda Fleming( for some reason, Blogger won't let me leave comments when I am logged in with my new Google-Blogger Beta set up)
GORGEOUS! Absolutely Gorgeous art work Rachael! I too see spirit beings in all the trees I look upon. Thank you Mo'a for sharing Racaels work.
Jean (who had problems logging on too :p
Oooh! So beautiful! I am in love with the entwined lovers one...
Rachael, 'tis an honor to meet yet another faboo friend of my dearest Móa and to behold such amazing work! Oh the things you artists show us! This bohemian, for one, is indeed thankful for the beauty that is added to the world that's FO SHO!
And my dearest LovaMóa, need I even say how fabulous I think you are? I think I will so stop blushing!
Your taste is as always impeccable and not only in the way you express yourself through the miracles that are born out of your hands, your art, but also in the company you keep!
This bohemian is soaring and I WANNA BE ABLE TO DO THAT TOO DAMMIT! Not fair! I get a glimpse into the club o' cool people! *sigh* Oh well... maybe in some other life! *sniff, sniff*
Oh, and Mo'a - I tagged you on my blog. :-D
Terry: I am pleased to be able to show some of Rachael's art here. Take a look at her site, there is much more to see.
I knew you would appreciate the Tree Spirits....I have seen many wonderful tree photos on your site.
Al: I am sure that we will never look at a tree the same way again, after seeing Rachael's art.
Yes, the stories they do tell, when we look and listen :)
Linda: I agree with you Rachael's art it is wonderful and so very unique....and so very much her own.
This thing about blogger.....and we are all in the same family, go figure.
Jean: Wow!!! good to see you here....another kindred soul :) I have seen many of your Tree Spirits in your chairs....I agree with you Rachael is gorgeous.
When will we see you blog Jean?
MizBohemia: I just knew you would love Rachael's art.
I am indeed lucky, to know so many great artists and to have so many talented friends.....and that includes you....where would I be without my team member? :)
Spend a time with me in my studio and I will show you that you are already an artist....take a look around your home, your family...your writing.....the websites you have designed........and your way of making and taking care of friends.....you are an artist, and in this life.....LovaMo'a is sure of that :)
Terry: I am coming right over :)
Hi I was here before I went to work & left a comment but I am not sure what happened. I am trying again because I so want everyone who complimented my work to know how much I appreciate it & how good it feels. I've been wandering around clicking on everybody's blogs & Mo'a you have very interesting friends. Thank you for the introduction to them. & like I said in the disappeared post I am going to get a big head from all the compliments.
rachael
Beautiful work! So nice to learn more.
i am completely and utterly enchanted by Rachael's work. honestly, i often look at trees (or rock formations or the folds in a piece of fabric, for that matter) and see shapes, but i would never be able to recreate them in the beautiful and stunning fashion your featured artist has. (not sure anyone would want me too, either!)
once again, Mo'a, you have provided me with another amazing glimpse into a world i might otherwise never see. thank you. thank you from the bottom of my heart! it is always a delight to "meet" the artists you find and/or know -- and an absolute honor to gaze upon their works. *applauds* xoxo
Mo'a
Just wanted to say again that you have the greatest friends. I am still exploring blogs. Terry (tsduff?), I love all of the photos on your blog. MizBohemia, you are so definitely an artist, as is Lil'Bohemia (& I love that template).
Jean I have admired your beautiful chairs & dolls for a while now. Neva I love your puppies (major dog person!)
I am having so much fun visiting links right now.
Rachael: You deserve all the compliments you get here....your work is beautiful and inspiring.
They are a diverse group....I just love them all *whisper* Don't tell them it will go to their head :)
Mimi: I am so happy you came over.
Rachael work is indeed beautiful.
Mimi, I love your blog and your work....I have been lurking...have not had much time to comment on blogs lately....I will soon :)
Neva: You are an artist at heart...and I might add probably capable of seeing little people, elves, ips, etc....You have a good eye :)
I love bringing my love of art and artist I admire to the attention of my friends here :) Thank you for the compliment.
Rachael: I am so glad that you are meeting my blog friends. They love your art :)
In future I will look at trees with a different stage of mind! Looking forward to that! Thanks, auntie!
Mom
Biene: That is the highest compliment and artist can have.
I am sure Rachael will agree.
Auntie thanks you on her behalf :)
Oh Biene
Thank you. What Mo'a said. I only wish I was a better writer so I could express my appreciation for Mo'a & everyone else. I am always worried I'm going to come off sounding like an idiot. But I can say thanks
rachael
Wow, I've had these beautiful tree goddesses in my head since I saw them first the other day (but unfortunately didn't have time to comment).
Mo'a, thanks for yet another beautiful intro to some amazing unique artwork.
Rachel, you are so humble in describing your process and it only adds to the beauty of your work. I am looking at them with my 5 year old son who keeps exclaiming "click here!" so your appeal spans the ages.
I looked around your blog and will go back and check some of the links. Do you continue to sell them? I too always love he look of trees at this time of year when all is laid bare. Thank you for sharing your art with us.
Come to think of it, my avatar sort of reminds me of your goddesses (not as beautiful of course!).
g - I especially love when kids like my work. Because they are paper mache they are pretty hard to damage so I encourage kids (& everybody else) to pick them up & really explore them. You always get honest feedback from kids.
Thank you for your comments You have me purring.
And your avatar really does look like my ladies. Great minds, huh?
g: I knew there was some reason why I loved your avatar :)
It has been such a pleasure having Racael's art on my blog....it realy makes me look good :)
Your son is getting a good introduction to art.
Rachael: Thank you for allowing me do a feature on you....it has been a great pleasure for me and I love the reaction you are getting from my blog friends.
Tomorrow is the start of the count down to Christmas, on this blog.
Lock your doors, they are on their way down from the mountains.
Is that Gryla's sons?!
G: Yes :)
Mo'a Thank YOU
I can't wait to see whats coming
rachael
Post a Comment
Write, Speak, Create & take me back HOME!