Local artist keeps experimenting

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The home of Rachel Lynn Thompson in Ormond-by-the-Sea is as much a studio as a home. There’s art at every turn.

Her life is centered on her art and that’s probably why her website is www.Iamartrachel.com, and she previously had a studio in the Hammock called I am Art Rachel and Friends.

Thompson will be the featured artist at Salvo Arthouse, 6-9:30 p.m., 802 East Moody Blvd., Bunnell, on Saturday, Aug. 24. There will also be new works by the studio artists. The $15 admission for adults will include wine, music and hors d’oeuvres.

Her work can also be seen at Arts on Granada.

Thompson calls herself an “experimental” painter, always wanting to explore.

Learning the techniques of the old masters at age 11, she later moved into different styles. She now likes to let inspiration take over when she paints.

FROM TRASH TO ART

Thompson is excited about an art project she and a neighbor, Chester Perkowski, have started that involves recycled Styrofoam, called The Recovery Collection.

Perkowski found a way to remove the air from Styrofoam in his home workshop, providing a material for Thompson, who then transforms it into art. Styrofoam that would otherwise be headed for the landfill becomes jewelry, sculpture, mosaics, etc.

She said they have researched and have not found the process done anywhere in the world.

Some of the recovery art will be at the Salvo show and it’s also on display at Arts on Granada.

“It’s good for the environment. It’s unique,” she said. “Everything we do is one of a kind.”

Visit iamartrachel.com/recovery or call 386-864-0319.

SPIRITUAL MEANINGS

Thompson continues to evolve in her art and doesn’t like to be pigeonholed, but her theme is often spiritual.

This sculpture, 'Swan Flight,' was made from discarded Styrofoam. Courtesy photo

“I want to take you somewhere and show you something new,” she said. “I’m always looking for ways to be impactful in what I create. I’m nonconventional.”

J.J. Graham, of Salvo Arthouse, said what he loves about Thompson’s work is that it always takes you on a journey.

“I enjoy the optimism her art reflects,” he said.

Graham and Thompson have known each other and worked together for several years. They discovered that they are related on their mother’s side and consider each other family.

Thompson said Graham has his own unique voice and they have enjoyed learning from each other.

One piece to be featured at Salvo will be “Rectify,” showing a native American woman holding the world. Flames threaten, but a phoenix holding a seed arises, showing rebirth.

Another work will be “Ascension,” a beach scene done with oils with metal flakes added for a luminescent quality.

Originally from Virginia, Thompson lived in Flagler County before relocating to Ormond-by-the-Sea in 2016. In 2015, she was named Flagler County Artist of the Year by the Gargiulo Foundation.

On Nov. 16, she will have art at Berkshire Hathaway Realty in the European Village in Palm Coast.