Meet Rachel Wold | Artist

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

Hi Rachel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was an artsy kid and always assumed I would lead a creative life. My family was incredibly supportive, but a college education seemed financially impossible so I focused my energy on something more stable. I worked multiple jobs throughout high school and enrolled in the Graphic Design program at a local community college through Running Start. An unfortunate experience derailed me and I never completed that A.A., but I continued drawing and painting for myself when I could. Years later, I found myself with degrees in physics and a career in oceanography, but I hadn’t made so much as a sketch in over a decade. I finally picked up an old sketchbook in 2019 as a way of dealing with postpartum depression after the birth of my second. It was like I had been half-asleep since my mid-twenties, and I don’t ever want to set down my pens and brushed again.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I found my way back to a creative life after over a decade hiatus as a way to heal. My art is a form therapy, for myself and I hope for others as well. Life is hard, the world is on fire, and it’s easy to lose ourselves in the frantic energy of the day to day. With my work, I try to create space to slow down and breathe, to reset before jumping back into the mess.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Where to start? I grew up in Seattle and love this city, even if it looks different than it used to. I live in the Ballard neighborhood so I’d probably start with brunch at Hattie’s Hat, wander Ballard Ave and hit some of the neighborhood breweries like Lucky Envelope or Stoup, then pack a picnic or grab some sandwiches at Un Bien and spend the afternoon at Golden Gardens, one of two sandy beaches in Seattle. We’d have to hit Drag Brunch at Julia’s in Wallingford and any of Baby Van Beezly’s events at the Queer Bar. And make time for a trip to some great spots around Puget Sound, Whidbey Island or the San Juans, Hood Canal, etc. And eat as much fresh, local seafood as possible!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by a large, supportive community, and I think it’s important to share the love and foster creativity in others, especially the next generation. I have recently gotten involved in Urban Artworks, a Seattle-based non-profit that does a fantastic job connecting youth and artists to create and conserve public art. I highly recommend checking out their work, and seeking out similar programs in your area.

Website: https://www.rachelwoldart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwoldart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelwoldart