Rachael Pinks is an artist living and working in Derbyshire. She currently works from her studio, The Old Lock Up Studio, in Cromford and also manages & curates The Old Station Gallery in Rowsley. She has a BA Hons degree in Arts Therapies.
Drawing subject matter from everyday life, people, places & landscapes, she uses layers of layers of paint and paper that are scratched, rubbed, scraped away and then added to until the desired affect is achieved thus producing abstracted works. Rachael often chooses to work in a series which lends itself to an unfolding over time, with variations on a theme or movements relating to each other – the relationship between the pieces can be obvious or sometimes quite subtle.
Describe your practice for us?
I’m a painter and mixed media artist – working with abstraction and primarily interested in working intuitively, which is a crucial part of my practice. Working intuitively, for me, is about trusting and not thinking – the thinking part comes later on in the process.
How long have you been practising?
I graduated from University in 2001 having studied Arts Therapies. For me the 3-year Fine Art module of the course was what essentially kept me at university for the duration. My practice then took a back seat whilst I developed a career in Social Care and managed a residential care home. I took redundancy in 2011 and I now work freelance as an Artist and Curator.
What is the most interesting/inspiring thing you have seen/been to over the last month, and why?
The Rhubarb Triangle and Other Stories – Martin Parr – at The Hepworth Wakefield. Parr’s work finds the magnificent and extraordinary amid the ordinary and documents it beautifully, holding no punches and telling it as it is. I also enjoyed seeing his earlier work in the show, from the 70’s and early 80’s – some of it depicting Yorkshire: ‘The Non-Conformists’ and seaside resorts ‘The Last Resort’ – which all brought about a very nostalgic experience and a reflection on my working class roots. I also love the Hepworth – it’s a beauty of a building and something that I am also interested in – spaces and architecture: old and new.
Which other artists’ work do you admire, and why?
There are many and if I were to choose a few they would be: Peter Lanyon, John Virtue, Roger Cecil and Rothko. All four of these artists have produced work that has significantly impacted on me and my practise: Leading me to pursue art and create the work that I do. Their work resonates and has a visceral quality about it that is always an integral part of appreciating and creating work, for me.
Where can people see your work?
People can view my work online on my website, at The Late November Gallery in Pembrokeshire and at ‘Salon’ exhibitions at my studio in Cromford: www.theoldlockupstudio.co.uk and also at The Old Station Gallery in Rowsley, Derbyshire: which I manage and curate.
Rachael was interviewed in July 2016.
The photographs were taken by the artist unless otherwise stated.
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