Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Grant
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Art has always been a central part of my life. Growing up in a creative household, I was constantly surrounded by inspiration. I have two incredible sisters, both creatives in their own right, who have always inspired and encouraged me. When it came time for college, I chose to follow in my parents’ footsteps and studied art at Auburn University. From there, I pursued my passion further by completing my graduate studies in painting at SCAD, attending both the Atlanta and Savannah campuses. Along the way, I had the incredible opportunities to study in the south of France and participate in a residency at the Elizabeth Foundation in New York City. I’ve also had the opportunity to showcase my work, including a solo exhibition at the University of Georgia’s Circle Gallery in 2020. After being a studio resident at the Goat Farm Arts Center in West Midtown Atlanta, I now work from my studio in the historic depot district of downtown Lawrenceville, where I continue to evolve and explore my creative practice. This November, I’m thrilled to present new work in a two-person exhibition with abstract artist Savonna Atkins at Gallery 1740 here in Atlanta.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe creativity and artmaking evolve through different seasons of life. Over the past five years, we’ve all experienced significant changes due to the global pandemic. On a personal level, I got married and welcomed two children during this time, which profoundly shifted both my life perspective and my approach to art. The combination of safety during the pandemic and motherhood led me to move my studio into my home, where I focused on creating smaller, more detailed works. Now, I’m thrilled to be transitioning back into a dedicated studio space in a historic building in downtown Lawrenceville, where I can blend my passion for large-scale painting with the refined attention to detail I’ve cultivated during this time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a visual artist, primarily focused on painting, though recently I’ve been branching out into sound and video to expand the scope of my work. Over the past decade, I’ve developed an ongoing series of cloudscape paintings, driven by my desire to reconnect with nature in today’s fast-paced, digital world. As I’ve transitioned into motherhood, the themes of home and the spaces we occupy have taken on a more prominent role in my art. What sets my work apart is the way I intertwine the natural world with domestic life, exploring both outer landscapes and inner emotional terrain. I’m especially proud of my evolving technique, painting with both acrylic and oil to create pieces that are abstract enough for viewers to bring their own personal interpretations. My goal is always to offer a sense of openness—art that invites reflection and emotional connection.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That’s a fun question! I spend much of my time in my studio or with my family—my two fun-loving toddler daughters, my encouraging husband, and our mini-goldendoodle, Chewbacca. What others might not know is that I’ve been a vocalist for most of my life. I sing on the praise and worship team at our church on Sundays. And here’s something unexpected: I recently took up weightlifting. It’s been quite an interesting fitness journey so far!
In my art practice I’ve been delving into new media, incorporating video and sound into my work. Filmmaking and video art have always fascinated me, and I’m thrilled to finally bring some of those creative ideas to life. This November, I’ll be debuting my first-ever video piece at the November 15th reception for the exhibition “Through Windows and Across Parks” at Gallery 1740. The process has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to see how it resonates with viewers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelgrantstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelgrantstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelGrantStudio/
Image Credits
Ashley Akins Photography
