Rachel Romano’s connection to art began at age 7 with sojourns with her father, a poet, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which planted the seeds of storytelling. After many years and a diverse career in advertising, architecture, and landscape design, she made the leap to attend workshops with Tim Hawkesworth to connect with her inner art vision. Thinking she was a visual storyteller for children, Rachel discovered she is a storyteller for adults.
Her paintings have a Shakespearean quality with some darkness and whimsy, full of symbolism and allegory. Often she is asked to explain the imagery and stories behind them. Rachel says, "Everything has a meaning. I can explain the meanings, but I'd rather the viewer give the language and find the narrative."
Rachel has been awarded residencies in Europe and has appeared in a number of international art publications. Her works are collected here in the US and internationally, and she is presented by galleries in the US and Europe.
Artist Statement
I am a New Surrealism figurative storyteller. I find inspiration in the laughter, love, and sorrow of our lives. It is this connection to one's heart that helps me bring out the richness of story in my work, exploring how we find strength through change and adversity.
The vibrant color is used as a contrast to offset the reality of what lies within each painting. Working in oils is perfect for me and my thinking as I am doing the process; allowing me to wipe out. It is important to be fearless. I work on several paintings at a time, to give them breathing room, and not to become too precious.
It is my hope that when people view my paintings, they are taken "somewhere else" within their own story.
Interview with Rachel Romano
Who and/or what were your influences when you were first starting out vs. now?
I was very much influenced by American impressionists and German expressionists. Now my art is heading towards surrealism, wanting to express difficult themes, and implementing even more storytelling.
What is your favorite thing about the materials you use?
I love my Chelsea Classical Medium lavender brush cleaner; the smell is delicious, and it is the best cleaner on the planet. Also, I love working on really smooth paper and fine linen. The glass-like surfaces allow me to paint in many fine layers. Lastly, my oil paint. The stiffer the paint, the better, because it allows me more control over the paint. Oil is so forgiving; you can just wipe it out if it's not working.
What would you say is hidden just underneath the surface of your work? Meaning, what are you revealing to your viewers?
I paint our inner thoughts, desires, demons, in a surreal dream-like world. A personal narrative that you may not want to express openly.
Can you tell us about a turning point in your practice? Was there a moment when things started clicking?
I took a workshop in 2014 about discovering who you are as an artist, not in technique, but in your heart. Finding your inner child and not being afraid to express yourself. I discovered I am a storyteller for adults. I found I want to express our turmoil, both inner and outer.
In honor of our women’s issue, who are three women and/or gender nonconforming artists that inspire you?
Paula Rego, Audrey Flack, Claire Tabouret
