"Born and raised under the wide Texas skies, I have formed a friendship with them over my lifetime. The skies are commonly associated with the heavens, yet they evoke a sense of grounded-ness, too." - Rachel English
We caught up with Rachel for the anniversary of her debut solo exhibition with Square One Gallery, "Between Heaven & Earth", to talk about what the last year has held for her, and where she's headed next.
Rachel English, Between Heaven & Earth, installation view
Building a home from the ground up was a wild ride; it’s a relief to have the inspiration and uncertainty of the design and construction process finally come to a head. Since moving in, my daughter and I have been focusing on inviting people over, finding community in the area, creating new rituals, and poking fun at the uniqueness of country life—like cows pooping in the carport.
Does living in rural Texas influence the direction of your upcoming / new works? I've seen some sketches that have incorporated horses, etc. and have been intrigued. Will we see new incorporations?
Our land is home to 30 longhorn cattle and two horses, plus wildlife like deer, rabbits, snakes, coyotes, hogs, and a variety of birds. As a result of spending so much time around these animals, the urge to paint them has grown. I used to paint horses and cattle a lot when I was younger. It feels natural to get back into exploring them as subject matter and can easily envision them merging with my signature sky work.
Your biography speaks of a lifelong "friendship" with the Texas skies—can you describe a specific memory or moment when this connection first became meaningful to you?
My grandfather was a professional pianist and an amateur astronomer, and he often combined his musical compositions with his love of the night sky. That has stuck with me since childhood. Maybe the word “friendship” is fitting because after so many years of staring up at the sky, I’ve come to interact with it like a living thing with its own ever-shifting energy and emotion.
The scenes you paint omit the terrain, suggesting weightlessness. What does this visual choice represent for you emotionally or philosophically?
I believe we are so much more than our bodies; our souls exist in wholeness with the divine intelligence that created everything. But, because we are disposed to our physical condition, there’s a kind of strain between body and soul. For me, omitting the landscape strips the image of that tension, highlighting the sky as a symbol of the transcendent.
Rachel English, installation view, Square One Gallery
What are some challenges you face when trying to transform such ephemeral, expansive subjects like clouds and skies into static, tangible artworks?
They’re just so hard to paint! It takes a lot of patience. At the end of the day, nothing comes close to the real-life experience of watching a storm roll in, or staring into the Milky Way at night, or seeing golden sun rays burst through a huge cloud. It’s my Sisyphean task; the work will never arrive at the pinnacle of perfection, but I find a weird pleasure in trying and failing over and over.
What do you hope someone standing in front of one of your paintings might feel—or perhaps question—about their own relationship with the natural world or the divine?
At the very least, I hope it makes the viewer feel a little lighter, even if just for a moment. Life can be so tough on people. A painting with a calming energy can be a salve for a weary soul. Beyond that, I hope my work encourages people to receive and be transformed by God’s love for us, just as we are.
Rachel English in the studio
Any upcoming plans people should know about?
Just continuing to settle into ranch life and allowing it to seep into my work.
Your most recent works have been absolutely incredible and strikingly large - is this a vein you are looking to continue with in your new studio? Absolutely stunning!
After working in a space the size of a shoe box for the past few years, it feels so good to spread out and paint big. Scale is everything.
Do you have a mantra / favorite quote to live by?
A new quote sticks to my mind every so often; lately it’s this line by Paula D’Arcy: “God comes to you disguised as your life."
What's been on the playlist in your studio lately?
Right now I’m all about podcasts and audiobooks when I’m doing deep work. Mostly on topics of faith, wisdom, wellness, and history.
Rachel English, Between Heaven & Earth, installation view
Any advice for young artists looking to begin their practice?
The only advice I'm qualified to give is what has worked for me: Surround yourself with trusted friends and mentors, let them fill your cup. Pour out the overflow for your art and for other people.
Learn more about Rachel English, her debut solo exhibition with Square One Gallery, and her avaiable works through the link here.
