Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Chambers.
Artists often have unique stories that lead to who they are today. Can you briefly walk us through your story?
I’m not sure if my story is unique as much as a natural progression. When you’re little, teachers tell you to draw pictures of what you want to be where you “grow up.” I had drawings of police officers, surgeons, and lawyers. When I was in middle school, I was planning to apply to William and Mary for law, but what I really wanted to do was keep drawing those pictures. I always liked building things outside, and I taught myself a lot outside of school. I applied to an Art Education program, and was accepted as a freshman. During my first three years, I spent time in the studios, never really focusing on my practicum classes.
Second semester of my junior year, I decided to switch my major to Fine Craft, and major in Fiber Arts. I worked in a woodshop for a year after I graduated, and then set off for my MFA in Fibers. After grad school, I taught at the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania as the head of Fibers for about two years and then enrolled in another master’s program at Keene State College in New Hampshire. I got my degree in Elementary Education and taught public school for a few years. Funding was cut, and I was losing my art room so I took a job in western Mass at a private school. Knowing that world of private education got me to Walnut Hill School for The Arts where I currently teach weaving, apparel design, and sculpture while continuing to exhibit my personal work.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Materials, materials, materials. I love looking through wire, beads, paper clips, plastic ties, bags, fabrics, buttons… and finding a way to make something that looks like it has a life of its own. When I was an 8th-grade science teacher, I really enjoyed teaching Biology. I like to use botanicals as my references, and my own garden is a great image search engine all summer long. When you look at my work, just have fun with the shape and color, and use your own imagination as to where it might live, what other creatures might live in the environment or how the landscape I’ve created would grow over time.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I was lucky to have incredibly supportive parents that raised me to hustle. You have to hustle. You have to push yourself and be realistic. Promote yourself through free avenues. Use social media in a positive way – change it up and ask an artist friend to go in on a table with you at a festival. Use craigslist or your town’s FB page to look for tables, tents, and other art supplies to get you out there and selling. Don’t be so proud to not have a job on the side while you are finding your way. And go on art tours. Meet other artists. Print some business cards – and be humble. Be grateful for everything, and it all comes around as long as you keep at it.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am a current member at Arts Worcester and Fuller Craft Museum. I have given talks at Fuller, and my work is in their gallery. During January 2020, I will have an installation in the new Arts Worcester gallery. And of course, you can find a full listing of up to date information at www.raechambers.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raechambers.com
- Email: rae.a.chambers@gmail.com
- Instagram: rachel.chambers.art
Image Credit:
Rachel Chambers
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