Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Cox.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It is incredibly hard to talk about myself. My story is just beginning. As an artist, I’m always learning something new. A new technique or something new about myself. It is a never-ending adventure that I am happy to experience.
My earliest memories of drawing started when I was five years old. I remember racing against the paused VHS of Sleeping Beauty to trace over the end scene of her and the prince dancing. I probably did that one hundred times over just to get it right. I wasn’t into dolls or playing dress-up. I would ask for paints, crayons, coloring books, etc. I remember my first easel and first set of oil paints at age ten; I had no idea what I was doing! I didn’t understand that oil paints took AGES to dry! I would NEVER give up; I wanted to learn. Bob Ross would inspire me to try to do landscapes. After watching him, I completed a waterfall painting that my godmother still has displayed to this day.
In highschool, I organized my senior year schedule to have two art classes in a row and study hall afterwards. During study hall, I’d just head straight back to the art room. My art teachers taught me new understandings in art; I am forever grateful for them. After graduation, I didn’t know what college to go to or what I wanted to study. I just knew that I wanted to do something with art. I didn’t excel in the core subjects or sports. So the research began, I took notice of color theory and graphic design. The Art Institute was introduced to me.
I started college in 2013 and had a whole new outlook on design and digital art. I took what I knew in fine art and applied it to my graphic design. I cherish everything I have learned and the people I have met. They have made me who I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I am an honest person. I will fully admit, there have been mental health obstacles I have been facing for some time now. I don’t let them break me down. With proper research and help from doctors and loved ones, I keep going. I am so thankful for my family and friends. They are patient with me and help me grow.
Fine art has helped me overcome some of these battles. It helps me express what words can’t. Painting is how I come to terms with the outside world and situations I can’t control. I love escaping into my own world and creating things that I alone can control. I recently completed a painting that I worked on for a full year. I love being able to work on projects on my own time. I poured many emotions into the piece, so I know what it means to me. However, I love knowing that other people may experience different emotions than my own when looking at my work. Each work of art can mean so many different things to so many different people.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I don’t have a “set” style. I enjoy blending different methods and styles into my art. I am still figuring out my likes and dislikes and what I want to focus on. I recently completed a commissioned deer trophy-inspired piece and have since been studying skulls. It was a wonderful experience that brought me out of my comfort zone. I also enjoy still-life and landscape projects. I have dabbled in multiple mediums but am most experienced with acrylic paints.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Since I talk about my mental health obstacles, I would like to mention a few books that have helped me along the way. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones – James Clear
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson. The Four Agreements – Peter Coyote.
Contact Info:
- Email: notsocreativecreative@gmail.
com - Website: https://notsocreativecreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notsocreativecreative/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@notsocreativecreative?lang=en
Image Credits
Zachary Kirkpatrick
