Rachel Downey
Contemporary New Zealand-based artist Rachel Downey aims to create artwork that extends beyond mere aesthetics.
Following a life-changing accident some years ago, making art has become her saviour - literally and metaphorically. She uses art as a therapeutic process for expressing and exploring psychological, emotional and physical states of being. Rachel expresses these feelings through a careful choice of imagery, and within this framework, works out her ongoing frustrations living with physical pain, depression and anxiety.
Rachel works primarily with mixed media on paper, board and canvas. She listens to music while she produces her work, inspired by its energy and tempo. Sweeping, gestural marks applied with vigour are harnessed with a considered use of shape and line. Through this process, and the development of an individual ‘language’, she aims to transcribe something of the ever-changing nature of the human psyche.
