Come visit the office of Durham Central Market , a new neighborhood cooperative grocery, aiming to locate in the heart of Durham, and view a mixed media series by Rachel Freeman!

Born in Pensacola, Florida, Rachel Freeman began making art at a young age. Her first art studio was her mother’s garden shed, which she transformed into a place of imagination and creativity with paint and brushes she found in a neighbor’s trash pile. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Studio Art from the University of North Florida in 2007. After graduating, Rachel moved to New York City and worked for Columbia University and volunteered with Jedidiah Clothing. She moved to Durham, North Carolina in July 2008 and has since established herself as a fine artist. She is a member of the Durham Art Guild and North Carolina Arts Council. Rachel works for Heather Garrett Design and is a volleyball coach for Jammers Volleyball Club. She is a dreamer, a lover, an activist, and a coffee-addict who wears a constant smile.

Artist Statement:

I work mostly with acrylic and mixed media including aerosol, charcoal, ink, and collage on paper and wood. To create active compositions, I use bold colors, strong lines, and varying textures. Themes in my pieces are expressions of my passions: people, social justice, faith, nature, love. I use my creativity to inform and encourage. People may not know the magnitude of child soldiering, the depth of corruption in our government, or the simple beauties of life. I want to spread awareness and messages of hope with my art.

My inspiration comes from books, quotes, traveling, people, conversations, and visual overload, i.e. cramming my head with images, artwork, photographs, nature, real-life observations, etc. I also draw inspiration from my own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Stylistically, I am inspired by urban art, illustration, and graphic design. I like the idea of simplicity having a significant and lasting meaning. Like how one thing you hear, read, or experience can change your life forever. I hope my life and my art will bring something meaningful to someone somewhere.

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