This current body of work is a paradox. My lifestyle embodies earthiness and simplicity, but the resulting aesthetic does not reflect that. Rooted in the boldness of 80s sci-fi glam, these pieces reflect a part of me that feels both unfamiliar and familiar—a return, or perhaps a birth, of neon lighthearted flair, serving as a mechanism of survival in complicated times."
This paradox is at the heart of my creative exploration. The colors and rhythms serve as a retreat into a fantasy space. The work isn’t about reconciling opposites- but rather embracing the tension between them. I aim to step into the contradiction, to learn to be comfortable with the playful environment that I do not entirely recognize and to be curious about the carefree rhythms and bold expressions that fill this work.
In general- my practice has always been about freedom. When I paint, I’m processing my thoughts, feelings, and experiences—the good, the bad- the drama. I’m swimming through the wins, the failures- sadness and the joy.
My practice is deeply connected to music; sound drives the dance of my brush. With music comes texture and color, which also guide the flow. Painting is like dancing—an unrehearsed dance that bubbles up from the soul. As Ernst Ludwig Kirchner wrote, "The painter needs to feel the power of life flowing through him like a river; otherwise he cannot paint." For me, painting is a release, an escape, a celebration, and a confession. It embodies emotion and lived experience. It is the calm and the storm all at once—a mourning and a celebration.
Find a selection of works at Casco Bay Artisans Gallery in Portland, Maine. For collaborations + inquiries please email: rachel.somerville.ca@gmail.com
*Upcoming feature + event: September 20th, 2024 @ Casco Bay Artisans Gallery
