Meet Rachel Lorraine | Painter, Poet, Self Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Rachel, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I don’t have a team generated behind me to execute my visions and then I take my place sitting pretty at the top of the cake, which is pretty clear I currently create solo; but much modern societal artistry looks like this; a large team effort in most aspects with one or two chosen faces. It’s the system, the process, the game and seems most general public is unaware of the machinery at play. Ghost writers/ghost painters/ghost vocalists/ghost creatives etc etc, exist.

Any name you know well had to be knighted by “gatekeepers” and the previous statement activates in formulaic variation. A rough truth, regardless of commitment and hard work- If you are not deemed profitable enough by someone in power, you will not be offered a hand up- and it is only through an offered hand in “power” (mentor, teacher, investor, believer) -in ALL aspects of life- that we find support to grow wings- as we are a community on this planet, we aren’t meant to be isolationists in class systems. You can’t do it alone. Not forever. Successful ones never have – but we haven’t figured this out yet, it’s somewhat of a public secret disguised in prideful solo hardship. The ones who have remain closed and people on the outside looking in don’t grasp this, as the picture often painted contradicts.

It’s a dark reality- because historically/presently people deemed these opportunists/gatekeepers fear losing their power by the slightest of kind gestures or open minds. Rare to take risks or hold deep vision beyond dollar signs, they often play it “smart”, “wise investments”- find the aesthetically pleasing and the highly malleable (last is vital).
Living in LA for over 10 years, I’ve witnessed this casually everywhere. Money/power/status is king behind the curtain of industry. Therefore humanity:(Artistry) is not actually so popular. It’s not the goal. And many industries due to this formula are usually quite sickly and corrupt, not just in the Arts.

Due to all this- I currently stand here; My hands, my heart, my mind, my history/present, my condemned sensitivity, my vulnerability, authenticity, my love, my sight- They are my team. I am the gatekeeper. I must move of my own accord, as many do and put pen to paper, eye to camera, brush to canvas and personally extend my reach in hopes to connect directly to those who may resonate with what resonates with me. I’ve always strived for community and resonation. But there are times we must embody our own sovereignty and bust through the gates accordingly. 😉 Creation will never cease; We find our way, together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an oil painter, illustrator, poet, and self portrait photographer. Also lend my voice to various endeavors in VO work and song/writing. Hi. I’ve wandered paths from passion projects to album artworks to book covers and back again.

My work centers in the heart of memory, emotion, healing, movement, vulnerability, shadow, light, and inner/outer reflection; humanity. What it is to exist in this vessel we embody. Questioning all- and what is witnessed is me, adrift in the answers.
I believe in means of this by illuminating the areas in our past mirroring present, in our psyche; societally and personally that lie dark or dormant due to conditionings, traumas and fears. A candle in the doorways that unite us to ourselves and therefore – to each other.

Shift begins with a question. Questions arise from a feeling.. both of which are often taboo. Off limits. Unsafe. Threatening. Because the answers revealed may disturb you, and disrupt the safety of what you currently believe/feel, but it is that radical shake that disrupts the paradigm that caged you, and rattles you free.
My work is the process in which I shake the bars of my own chrysalis and invite you to explore this process along with me and in your own world and dynamic. That’s the hope anyway…
May my vulnerability give you safety and permission to explore yours, shed shame and allow.

Due to this my work has been described as haunting, deep, graphic, loving, nostalgic, brave and honest – perhaps “too” honest at times haha, but I feel a responsibility to myself as a human, as a creative to excavate what was buried in me. True artistry demands brutal honesty and continuous courage in discovery; (alway learning and adjusting to this) with yourself first and foremost, and the Art is in the communication of that truth as authentically as one can to those open to receive your expression/offering.

The challenge is not to pull yourself back just because others do. To withdraw love can feel wounding, as if you’ve disappointed and failed in your communication; and that’s all Art is- energetic forms of communication through your senses. A vibrational bonding. An attempt at connection. Arms outreached.

One of the questions we didn’t have room for here, was about risk. I will say, risk looks different for each soul.
For me, it’s a risk merely to stand before you. To open my mouth and allow sound. That is why I chose self portrait photography and utilizing ways of voice as some of my means of healing expression. To force the discomfort of allowing my face, my form (utilized/chosen as a reflection of You) paired with my words is a force of my own nature I no longer dismiss or disown. I’m invited to look at myself along with you. I can no longer hide- I’m right here. Allowing growth to be visible and transformative states hopefully perceived as beautiful and hopeful instead of deemed avoidant or ugly due to un-comfortability.
By shifting this narrative, I hope others may be moved to take actions of awareness and exploration in their individual experience towards healing and growth and excavation-
What I believe can result in mass understanding, healing; in turn, unity.

I’ve learned lessons no doubt in the art realm. Within painting, I’ve been challenged to question my underdeveloped boundaries and integrity when lured by promise of false opportunity or favors asked that force uneven compromise. What looks good on a résumé may leave a stain on your soul. One must listen to their intuition. Your body will communicate this to you. There is no right or wrong. Only what aligns and resonates with You, Your heart, Your vision. One must learn their own rules through experience. And there’s no room to regret- us artists have our ways to leave our true mark… secretly 😉

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I alway aim to look at my surroundings with fresh eyes, living here gives you many opportunities to do that, should you not grow tunnel vision in your day to day, which is easy to do. When grounding is needed Angeles forest is an easy escape. Descanso gardens. Griffith Observatory. Griffith park.
Old haunts: The Fable, once Black Boar is a bar that holds many memories with good people. Will alway be the Boar to me.
Burgundy Room I always love the vibe and energy (very important) but was always too loud for my friends-to my frustration (part of why I liked it! That and the red lighting). Semi tropic is another I would shadow. I would bring anyone to anywhere with moody, low light and good energy. Museum days energize me and remind me to be present and accept offerings from others. Lots of good ones here. I don’t have a favorite, depends on mood and what’s passing through.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The courageous who reflect inwardly. Who use their voice to express themselves with authenticity, even when shaky and deemed unpopular. Those who choose to soften over hardening in this world. Those who See instead of look, reflect instead of stare. Those who lend kindness to me with all of the above, who offer encouragement with love notes to continue.. I See You.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visual.maiden

Other: @visual.maiden

Image Credits
Rachel Lorraine.