Rachel Stout

Artist Statement

As an artist, I’m seeing my creative process evolve as I am currently asking myself the questions that most artist statements answer such as “what inspires me” or “what am I trying to communicate to the audience” and to be frank the longer I make art the harder these questions become. It’s not that I lack the answer, but rather that what guides my creative drive is always changing. “Evolution” was the theme of the last series I worked on and I’ve found in my practice that “Evolution” is not a singular theme applied to one body of work but is instead the ongoing theme of my whole practice.

I strive for growth and choose to tackle things how they need to be based on my personal season of being. As of now, I find myself prioritizing tattooing and making my mark quite literally on the world and its people. I’m beginning to be more inspired by mortality and the inevitability of all things coming to a physical end. I’m also finding myself wanting to have more hands on time with my artwork and to be involved with its presentation. I am transitioning into a period where I’m asking myself to be more genuine to what I create and detach from others views as to communicate a “deeper” part of myself.

I honestly could carry on about my current mental process as an artist, but for the sake of keeping it brief I will conclude by saying that you, the reader, are seeing my creative mind in the midst of a thoughtful and changing period. This is how I communicate my current artistic growth.

@chelsartistry

Rachel was the curator of The Woodlands and her work was included in the exhibition, on view December 3, 2020 - January 3, 2021. Visit the virtual exhibition to see her work installed.