“I find it is a great way to communicate with people. It isn’t just about the art, or making pretty works, it is about what people take away from it themselves.”
Welcome to Mamamia’s art endeavour, the Voulez-Vous Project. Every week we celebrate emerging artists, designers, illustrators, creators and cats who dress like their owners (not joking). Our aim: to help the internet become a slightly more beautiful, captivating, or thought-provoking place by making art accessible.
To find out more about the Voulez-Vous project, click here. Click here to see all the previous Voulez-Vous posts.
Resin is unpredictable, fluid and dynamic. And it has inspired Melbourne based artist Rachel Bainbridge to begin her own business. Every single piece in her collection (made of resin, acrylic, oil, pigments and ink) is completely unique.
“It is unpredictable as a medium, so people can take away from the work what they want, I have no idea how any piece will look when I start out. It reacts to different things in it’s own unique way, like oil and pigment together can react completely differently on resin. It is really powerful.” Bainbridge explains.
“I find it is a great way to communicate with people. It isn’t just about the art, or making pretty works, it is about what people take away from it themselves. There are many, many layers to resin works, in many ways it reflects what I am all about.”
Bainbridge has a background in ceramics and drawing, and after completing a visual arts degree at Monash, she began teaching art classes.
“I have always been a creative person. When I was younger, about ten years old, I would write and illustrate story books and send them off to publishers. I kept drawing all throughout high school and at University.” Bainbridge says.
Now she has turned her passion for creating into a business, selling her vibrant works which light up the walls.
“Colour and vibrancy has always struck a chord with me. I do my art in my own way, and work with colours that I want to use in a particular moment. I often work when my husband is home, and my kids are asleep. That is what is great about using resin as a medium, it sets so quickly, so you have to work fast. Working in that moment and with that energy really speaks to me.” Bainbridge says.
Bainbridge spends her time, in-between creating her art, teaching, and being a mum to her three children, who are all under the age of five. Most of her pieces are completed in between kinder drop off, making meals and nap time.
“Life is always about balance. Especially motherhood. It is usually during the weekend or at night that I can go and find a quiet space to be creative.”
“My children also astound me with their curiosity and the way they notice little things. As adults we don’t notice, and don’t taking the time to stop in the day and appreciate the little things. This is my inspiration. Curious, intriguing, and never stop moving. That’s my kids and also my style of artwork.” Bainbridge says.
“I just launched a website to promote my artwork which has been a HUGE step for me. Putting myself and my art out there for people to see is both terrifying and exciting.”
Rachel’s ultimate goal is to have an exhibition of her works. You can see more of her art and purchase it through her website, or follow her on Instagram.
Rachel Bainbridge on Instagram.
Want more from Voulez-Vous?
Jordana Henry is young, ambitious and her art is incredible.
“I just enjoy capturing women who are comfortable in their skin.”
‘When people look at my paintings, they think about their own life.’
Do you know an artist (or are YOU an artist) who creates beautiful or thought-provoking work and whom you think should be featured on Mamamia’s Voulez-Vous Project? Send an email to lizzie.marton@mamamia.com.au.