Meet Rachel Coleman | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Coleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a control freak, I have a problem with taking risks! I believe it has slowed down my progression in art. Fortunately, fluid art forces me to let go of control and that has helped me quite a bit. I can choose the colors, the canvas, the technique I want, but in the end, I don’t have complete control. When I fully let go and experiment, that’s when the real magic happens! It’s a slow process but one that I’m learning from.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ten years ago, I was at the lowest point in my life. I was unhappy with my career, my partner, my home and most of all, myself. I decided that I needed professional help. I was an addict and I couldn’t stop. I finally surrendered and went to rehab for four months followed by sober living for another four months away from my hometown. As my world became clearer and I began working on my mental health, I realized that I couldn’t go back to anything that was familiar to me. I left everything, career, husband, and my hometown. I never looked back. My life got better and better. I got a job at a local grocery store, I met my future husband there and I continued to work on myself. I still have some unresolved issues thst I’m working on with my therapist. She suggested about two years ago, that I try some kind of art to tap into the other half of my brain. I bought wooden nutcrackers to paint for the holidays and boom! I was hooked. I started watching YouTube and saw alot of acrylic pouring which was very attractive to me. I played but I was so scared to mess up a canvas or waste paint but I kept going. I think my growth has been slower because I’m afraid to let go, make mistakes, and take risks but I’m getting there. I started doing festivals and actually making money. I started reaching out to whoever I could to sell my art and about four months ago, I got into my first store! And about two months ago, I quit my full time job to be a full time artist! The idea of anyone wanting to own a piece of my art and bring it into their lives, is just so humbling to me. I am grateful that I admitted that I needed help all those years ago. I never thought my life would bring me here, that I would find my passion and actually get to pursue it as a career. It is never too late to make a change!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love living in West Chester, Pennsylvania! It’s full of art!! After walking through Longwood Gardens, we’d go to downtown West Chester to my favorite vegan deli, Love Again Local. Then it’s off to the Art Trust at Meridian Bank to see the art installation of the month. They alway have the best artist’s work there. It’s very inspiring! Then off to the Chester County Art Association to see the artwork of the month and the featured artist. They also have a gift shop full of local artist’s work for sale( including mine). Maybe we sign up for one of the many workshops there. And lastly, dinner at Pietro’s Prime in downtown West Chester followed by shopping in our fun and exciting local stores!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I choose my new artist friend Nikki from coveritupcreations.com. She is an amazing jeweler! Everytime I see her posts on IG, I spend money! She’s self employed and is a hustler!. Coveritupcreations@gmail.com

Website: Shyfoxstudio.com

Instagram: Shyfoxstudio822

Image Credits
All done by myself