There is ‘invisible disability’, impairment not immediately apparent but impactful nevertheless. Rachel’s practice is semi-autobiographical exploring her experience of being a former circus performer and climbing teacher and now with ‘invisible disability’.
Her use of materials reflects how even the most invisible disability or perfect specimen when under scrutiny, can expose the fragility, flaws and strengths of being human.
The complexity of life’s ever-changing and unpredictable experiences is reflected through use of raw clay or Parian unglazed, broken and damaged pieces and allowing the clay to transform and move during firing. The process of clays transformation documents a physical and emotional journey, with an emphasis on fragility, balance, change, movement, flow, strength and just as importantly, community and the collective; she is not alone.
Ceramics at Cardiff School of Art and Design 