5 minute read
Q&A with Artist Rachel Arif
Rachel Arif is an award winning artist from Rochdale, known for her atmospheric sea and landcapes, using Oil Paint and Pastel.
Rachel has been exhibiting her work since 2014 and is a member of Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Associate member of The Society of Women Artists and The Small Paintings Group. Style caught up with Rachel to discuss life as a successful artist and her love for the Lancashire landscape...
What sparked your interest in art?
I remember I was bought a huge book on The Impressionists for my 12th birthday - I was obsessed with it and still have it. As a child I loved to draw and did little fairytale illustrations but never thought about painting until I was an adult. As a teenager, I went to a local amateur art class in Rochdale with a teacher called Jack Hamill; he was a water colourist who painted bleak and atmospheric surrounding landscapes... I guess that sparked an interest. I had a very corporate job in London, I was bored to death - it was only when my husband suggested I approach a local shop to sell my work that things ramped up.
How did you turn your passion for art into a career?
I do think there's an element of luck and right place right time - there are many artists I know who are super talented but haven't been able to quite make it, yet. I just worked on getting as much exposure as I could through entering my work into Open Calls, approaching galleries and simply believing my work was worthy enough to be seen. Any falls, and there have been many, I just picked myself back up and carried on.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I think it's constantly evolving like most artists. I definitely enjoy using lots of paint. I love texture and visible brushstrokes - I like my work to have a certain naivety. I've been told my work is expressive and emotional; I'm quite a melancholic person so I think that comes across.
Rochdale tends to feature in a lot of your work. What is it about the local landscape that inspires you?
I was born and raised in Norden and I now live in Greater London but I only left Rochdale in my late 20s so it's always in my heart. I recall lots of family walks around Greenbooth, Owd Betts, Knowl Hill and the surrounding landscape. It's a bit cliche as it's obviously not always grey and rainy, but I do remember very dreary winters in particular. Not all of my work is centred around this neck of the woods... I also get inspiration from the Suffolk Coast and Kent Countryside near to where we live, but there's something instrinsic in me that is drawn to Lancashire. I love the atmosphere and feeling of isolation you still feel in certain parts of Red Lumb for example - it's like time has stood still. The landscape also compliments my preferred palette which is usually rather grey and earthy.
Who are your favourite artists?
Joan Eardley is a constant. I also love Turner, Hockney, Monet, Joan Mitchell, Anne Redpath, Lucian Freud, Munch and Soutine, the list goes on, but quite a mix of techniques.
What are your future aspirations as an artist?
Just to continue to paint what I want rather than what necessarily sells, and stay true to myself. To keep pushing, to experiment more and get better and better. I'd love to get involved in the actual selection process of artworks for exhibitions - there are several painters and sculptors I have my eye on, I'd definitely select if I had the opportunity.
If I wasn't an artist and if money wasn't an object, I'd definitely be an art collector! I have several paintings/ ceramics I've treated myself to over the years - I'm sure I'll add to the collection.
If readers are inspired to pick up a paintbrush, what advice would you share?
Just do it, why not, if you enjoy it! I can lose myself for hours when painting, it's therapeutic and good for my mind. I also think some of my most interesting and strongest works are from when I first started painting. Forget about perfection or technique and just enjoy the process of being creative for the sake of it - "paint like a child", children don't worry about a perfect composition, brushstrokes are bold and unconstrained. If you're serious about it, enter artist open calls, competitions and scholarships. Keep a look out for opportunities - Parker Harris, ArtRabbit, ArtQuest and Mall Galleries are good ones to keep an eye on.
Why do you think art and culture are so important?
I think now, in particular, life can be really challenging in so many ways. I think art allows individuals to express their feelings and identities helping people connect with their heritage. I'm so pleased Rochdale has been named Greater Manchester Town of Culture this year...
Rochdale is so diverse culturally and art exhibitions in particular are a great way of bringing people togethereveryone has a shared purpose, to see great art! It fosters a sense of belonging and shared community which can only strengthen bonds and understanding of each other. Website: rachelarif.co.uk Instagram: rachel_arif
To view works locally: saulhayfineart.co.uk mafa.org.uk/artist_profile/rachel-arif
