I capture moments of insight that come to me in brief glimpses of clarity by oil painting onto mirrors and glass. I use these mediums to create scenes centered on themes of preservation, connection, and understanding. While each element is important, the objects depicted in my work play the most pivotal role. They are tokens of emotion, storytellers that are carefully composed to evoke deeper meaning and invite personal reflection. As my practice evolved, I discovered that mirrors and glass bring these keepsakes to life by suspending them in a space where still images meet the shifting, ever-changing nature of reflections, and the viewer becomes an essential part of the composition. Overall, my work is both a record and a reflection, grounding the momentary in something lasting while leaving space for the viewer to find their own meaning within it.
From an early age, Rachael often found herself alone, cherishing the rare time spent with those who brought her comfort. To hold onto these scarce occurrences, she collected keepsakes, but soon realized how easily time could take them from her—flowers withered, paper yellowed, and fabric threads unraveled. This inevitability, which reflected other losses in her life, led Rachael to seek a means of preservation.
In her practice, Rachael discovered the patience of oil paint, which allowed her to capture intricate details with deliberate care. This encouraged her by providing the ability to preserve her keepsakes, and ultimately the memories within them, in a way that felt eternal. To then further push the connection she longed for as a child, she uses reflective surfaces—specifically mirrors and glass—to transform her paintings into dynamic experiences, inviting the viewer to not only observe but also become a part of the work. In this way, these surfaces create spaces where memory is not only honored but shared.
As a self-taught artist, Rachael’s work is held in private collections, and has been featured in in numerous group shows. She was recently awarded with a “Best of Show” for her piece Ghost Girl, an honorable mention for her piece What’s In A Name?.
Rachael Kucken 