My body of work has and continues to play with different styles, materials, mediums, and subject matter. While I've been striving to hone in on a unique visual language of my own, I’m realizing that I already have one. We all have one. 

Today, I primarily use acrylic and oil paints to engage in a dialogue with my innermost thoughts and feelings. As a way to connect in a world that is technologically more connected than ever yet can feel so disconnected, I’ve decided to go back to the basics to understand myself better than I ever have before. In this vein, I have begun experimenting with multi-media works through cut-up pieces of paper to participate in conversations around childhood and growing up. Specifically, I am interested in using my techniques to explore and resurrect symbols and feelings associated with childhood that may appear elementary but are fundamental to the way we behave as adults. 

I draw inspiration from iconic impressionist and expressionist artists like Van Gogh and Monet for their works’ transient and soft visuals. I am also influenced by contemporary artists like Zhuang Hong-Yi and Reena Kallat whose colourful work is tactile and materially experimental. I also find a great source of inspiration in the storytelling of classical music, particularly that of Tchaikovsky’s ballet music. Where the inspiration ends, I have no idea. 

Play is at the forefront of my practice. Through experimentation and abandonment of judgment, I connect the canvas to a world that looks and feels like it did when I was a kid. Welcome to the world of Rachelle Collins.