Rachel Rader... observations, manifestations, and incantations

oh hey 2012, how you doin?

2012-01-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

As I type this, Seattle is being covered in it's third round of snow this year which is a bit atypical for this normally mild-weather city... But, I like it. This little snow storm has shut down Seattle... which means I have an unexpected vacation. I've gotten so much accomplished so far! If you've never been to Seattle, you might be wondering why the city shuts down after a 4inch snowfall... We have a ton of hills. Really steep slippery-and-icy hills, and only 11 snowplows. So the main roads get cleared off, but the rest of the city is one big sheet of ice. This makes commuting a bit of a challenge.

So... yesterday I played in the snow all day. And today, I'm getting stuff done.

I've been working on a new necklace. The chain is made of borosilicate glass, and the little clusters are felted wool which I'm sewing beads into made of polymer clay, glass, freshwater pearls, Austrian Crystal, polymer seaweed, and quartz crystal.

I have a lot more work to do on it...

When I was visiting my family and friends on the east coast over the holidays, I made a visit to my favorite bead shop in Richmond, VA, Bangles and Beads (In Carytown). I'm so stoked about my new beads! I can't help it... I have a bit of a bead-addiction.

Happy winter!

holiday sales!

2011-12-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

2011 is almost OVER?! what?!

crazy.

With the holidays approaching here come the holiday sales. So fun! I've been working on a new display for all my jewels. I'm pretty excited about it... (I'll post pictures once I have it all installed)

And, I made new Sea Flower rings!

in all the colors of the rainbow

Over the next two weekends I'm going to be in a holiday sale in Ballard, WA with 7 other amazingly talented artists:

De Cicio Glass

Wendu Ink
Granite Calimpong
Material and Movement
Sew Miishka
Janusz Pozniak
Armelle O'Neill

5416 Shilshole Ave. NW, Ballard, WA, 98107

Dec.3rd/4th AND 10th/11th, 10am- 4pm

Then, on Saturday December 17th I'm going to be a part of this lovely studio sale in west Seattle:

2714 50th ave. SW, West Seattle, 98116

So if you live in the area, come by and say hi! I would love to see you!

home

2011-11-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm home.

It's so nice to be back in my little apartment in Seattle, where I can reflect. Coming back from my residency in Iceland, I've realized how grateful I am to have this space... my little nest for dreaming big.

Of course I say all this while still feeling the high of my recent travel experience. I'm overcome with humility.

the flight home

My friends asked me what I made when I was there, which made me realize how much this trip was not about what I made.

black sand beach in Iceland

It was about how I experienced a communion with nature.

Hljóðaklettar

It was about seeing the macrocosm in the microcosm.

So yes, I made new work. But mostly, I made new ideas.

Iceland is so quiet. I think the silence got rid of the noise that was clogging up the passageways for new ideas to come in. Right now I'm feeling a flood rushing in to that space.

Going to Iceland was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Still loving it!

2011-10-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

I'm still in Iceland... and still loving it. I feel like I'm at a point of clarity that I was really hoping for before I got here. In my daily life it's hard to find time to contemplate the "big picture". My residency at Gullkistan has afforded me the opportunity to visualize my next steps forward. When Michelle and I did our road trip around Iceland, we kept stopping the car to take photos of the dramatic landscapes. Each time we stepped out of the car we would notice how quiet it is. If you stop moving you can hear your breath and feel your heart beating.

Last week Michelle and I climbed to the top of Gullkistan mountain. At the top, there were beds of neon green moss which we collapsed onto. When the wind stopped, we could hear water softly trickling through the rocks below us. Every breath I took echoed in the silence.

So often in my daily life I get caught in a whirlwind of deadlines, and stress. In Iceland I feel content to be in the present and experience what's right in front of me. I hope I can hold on to this feeling forever.

Of course, Iceland isn't always quite... Sometimes the ground speaks:

And sometimes it's very loud:

I've been making, making, making! I'm so inspired by the vibrant colors here. Neon pink sunsets, burgundy rocks, green velvet moss... in so many delicious textures.

I recently finished this necklace and did a photo shoot with the lovely Michelle Pozniak. (Thanks Michelle!)

Also, I took a few pictures of my little rock by the hot springs in Hveragerði...

Looks like it was found there, eh?

I think I might be onto something...

residency in Iceland

2011-10-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

I've always dreamt of going to Iceland. Ever since the 7th grade when my friend Sheryl slipped her headphones onto my ears, booming Bjork's Debut album... I knew that there was something special about Iceland. Soon after I fell in love with Sigur Ros, Mum, Emiliana Torrini (the list goes on). There is something different about the music that comes out of Iceland. It's ethereal, dark and in tune with nature... Something I wanted to experience first hand.

So, about a year ago my friend Michelle Pozniak and I applied for a residency in Laugarvatn... and here we are today, In Iceland!!!

The Gullkistan residency is in Laugarvatn which is known for it's hot springs. We're staying at Gullkistan for the month of October in a small farm house... sandwiched by a mountain and a lake.

We have a studio space to work in, and freedom to just breath, think, make... what a luxury. I rarely get to spend this much time creating in my daily life. Art-vacation!

I'm using new techniques... new forms... and just playing.

Below is a piece in progress. (Clay, embroidery thread, Icelandic wool, Icelandic volcanic rock).

Before making our way to Laugarvatn, Michelle and I did a 6-day road trip all the way around the island. It was amazing! I have never experienced such a varied landscape before. Mountains, waterfalls, basalt rocks, glaciers, icebergs, hot springs... Iceland is so beautiful.

Godafoss

I started taking these pictures, with Michelle's help, documenting the act of connecting with these technicolor landscapes. I think I just fell into a whole new body of work.

Dyrohaely

In all my previous work, I've obsessively created dream worlds. In Iceland I feel like I am in a fairyland. I merely need to step into the frame of the photograph to be transported.

hot pink sunsets and plastic crab claws

2011-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

I think it's really good to have balance as a maker. I get a lot of pleasure from creating jewelry that's just jewelry, sometimes. It's fun, easy and I can easily pick up a project while watching tv or listening to podcasts. However, making my sculptural work takes everything I've got.

I've been racking my brain trying to find a place in my life for everything that I want to do. On most days I feel like there just isn't enough time.

Recently, I started to remember the mindset that I started with when I first moved to Seattle, and the attitude that I've always carried with me... Just go for it, jump right in. Don't overanalyze and it will all work out. I think it's good to ask yourself big questions, but if it transforms into self-doubt it can easily turn into a defeatist attitude which could eat you alive.

So... I finished making a Crab Claw Necklace jewelry line for the Mermaid Empire.

For me, they represent strength. But mostly, they're fun to wear.

I make the plastic crab claw using a rubber mold I made... Drill a hole for the jump-ring... Drill divots for the Austrian Crystals... String it onto a Sterling Silver chain... and voila! Crab Claw Necklace!

This one is seafoam

I'm having a summer sale in celebration of the new jewelry line, Check it out!

Enter the code SummerSale2011 to receive 15% off your purchase at Mermaid Empire.

I leave you with this gorgeous picture of a hot pink Seattle sunset.

I heart the North West

2011-08-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in Seattle, when the sun makes a rare appearance and melts away the mists you can make out the rare sighting of islands in the distance. The San Juan Islands are located North West of Seattle. And taking the ferry to get there is half the fun. A couple of weeks ago I went with some friends to Orcas Island. I didn't want to leave. I started picturing my hypothetical future as an "Islander". Wake up, go for a walk down to the water... Kayak for an hour... Come in, work in the studio... Work on the garden... Leisurely evening on the porch staring out at the seals popping their heads out of the water.... Sigh. Sure, it might get boring after a while, but it seems nice in comparison to the rat race I'm a part of in the city.

Then, last weekend went out to the Peninsula. I'm dating someone from the area so you might say I got the insider's tour. So fun :)

The North West constantly amazes me. The landscape is so dramatic and dark. Standing on the rocks as a tide comes in, you can feel the power of the water. Water swells and seems to threaten to wash you away in a pile of kelp.

Port Angeles

I feel so fortunate to live in Seattle, and so close to this:

plastic-y goodness

2011-06-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

I just finished a 3-day workshop with Scott Ball at Pratt Fine Arts Center, learning how to make molds for casting "other materials"... specifically plastics and rubbers etc. It was so fun! I casted crab claws, driftwood and barnacles.

Above is a picture of the mold for the crab claw. And below are the barnacles that I casted... some have a little rhinestone at the center. Bling bling!

I have no idea what I'm going to use these for...

There's so much potential in this process that I know I'll be using in my next body of work. This workshop really opened my eyes to a whole new world of materials. Honestly, I'm really happy to be taking a break from glass. I have a lot of fresh ideas that I want to work with in exploring plastics.

Crab claw necklace?

Spring is here!

2011-05-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yay! Spring is here! Finally... It's so nice to have the sun out in Seattle.

(This is the view from my back porch today)

I recently finished this necklace (shown above and below), with gold clusters. My goal is to make at least 5 more of these before I leave for Iceland in September.

Below is a picture of me with the lovely Kate Testa and Natasha Kuring at the Pratt Fine Arts Center Auction, which was last weekend (I'm modeling the gold cluster necklace). The theme was "bootlegger's ball", so I made the necklace "20's flapper" style.... Super long.

Also, I've started to make these Sea Flower rings. You can find an assortment of them on my Etsy site: Mermaid Empire

yummy

Great big sigh of relief

2011-05-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Has it really only been a month since taking down my show? I feel like years have passed. Over this past month I've been taking some time to decompress, evaluate and rest, and its been great. The weather has been all over the place, here in Seattle. On those few gorgeous sunny days, I've been out in the sun trying to soak up every ray of sunshine into my pasty white skin. I've moved into a new apartment and thus, I've had to transfer the rest of my studio supplies from my old place to my newer studio space in the 1020 building in SODO.

Kate Testa and I moved in to our gorgeous studio (my half featured above...) in January, officially. I absolutely love it! I had been working out of my one bedroom apartment in Capitol Hill for over a year just fine until I started drowning in all the parts for my exhibition. So, I made the big leap with Kate to get a studio space outside of my home, and I don't think I'll ever look back. I love having the separation between studio and home. I bought a saw (picture below).... Which was my first big studio purchase... And I recently purchased a small torch to set up in the studio for lamp working. YAY! I feel like a bona fide adult.

Over the past couple of years, I've been in a making mode... Carrying out my ideas and focusing on the fabrication of the work I showed in Her Majesty. Now, that the show is done I've been giving myself permission to play, explore, draw and learn. It feels great! I haven't been in this mode for a while. I'm actually reading a book (gasp!), Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg, in my excitement for my residency in Iceland.

I love taking the time to clear my head so that new ideas can come in. In this state of mind, everything around me cries out to be noticed. My horse blinders are off, and I'm ready to soak in the beauty of the world... which I think is why I started being an artist in the first place.

The opening of Her Majesty

2011-03-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to thank everyone who was able to come out to my opening, it was so much fun! For my friends that live outside of Seattle, I thought I'd share a few pictures. I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to have this show at the Pratt Gallery.

Thanks Pratt!!!

(For folks in Seattle that are interested in having a show in the gallery space, there is an open call for applications due April 1st.)

Her Majesty will be at the Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan until April 2nd, 2011.

312 S. Washington St.

Seattle, WA

((Here is the link to the press release))

So, here are the pictures:

Photos by Laura Livingston

This is a feast made in homage to an underwater sea queen named Queen Scarlatine.

The Story...

Through recent archaeological findings we have been able to piece together objects of a lost past. The Sea People living under the Coquille Empire (approx. 15^th- 18^th century) overthrew Queen Scarlatine in a social and political upheaval from 1789- 1799. The absolute monarchy that ruled the Seas for centuries collapsed. What remains of Queen Scarlatine’s rule are relics from her coronation, which were found hidden in a cave deep in the dark waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Straight of Juan de Fuca. In homage to the Queen, we have replicated her tearoom and recreated some of her favorite delicacies.

Legend has it that Queen Scarlatine lived in luxury throughout her reign dismissing the concerned pleas of the Sea People. When the delicate balance of sea life began to decline the Queen continued to throw decadent tea parties and masquerades with no regard for the Sea People or the coral life they thrive on. In 1793, the Sea People stormed the Castle of Sable and the tyranny of the Coquille Empire was overthrown. Queen Scarlatine was fed to the Giant Squid, along with her courtesans. Little is known about the fate of the Sea People, but it is believed they live in a Socialist society that strives for balance in their environment and equality amongst species.

Bowl of Squishy Sea Donuts

Starfish Creme Surprise Cake (leaking)

(The table with all the underwater sweets is made to collect water from the leaking Starfish Creme Surprise Cake and recycle it back through a pump that pumps water through the cake.)

Lovely ladies!

Portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Scarlatine

Relics of the sea queen, Scepter and Orb

Scepter, found in the Straight of Juan de Fuca

Glass, coral reef growths, pearls, gold

Her Majesty's Necklace, found in the Straight of Juan de Fuca.

Coral, coral reef growths, gold, glass

I can't believe it's all over! Thanks again to my friends and family for all your support in making this happen. I've learned a lot in having this show... And I can't wait until I get to do it all over again! (After a little break of course...) xo!

HER MAJESTY

2011-02-22T22:31:00.000-08:00

photos by Laura Livingston

Hello blog readers! Well, here I am in the final week before HER MAJESTY is installed and ready to be viewed by all, (I'm so dramatic). It's been an amazing journey to get to the point where I'm at. I would not be feeling so confident without the support that I've gotten from my friends every step of the way.

Above is a picture of me working on the crown for the show. YES! Glass crown!

And... I made a scepter, necklace, and rings of underwater royalty: The Crown Jewels of the Sea.

Below is a picture of me working on the clam shell throne which will be at the center of the show alongside a table of cakes, crumpets and tarts sparkling in the light.

Photos by Laura Livingston

So, basically I've made a show where my girlhood dreams come to life... Through a fairy tale that narrates the life of a Sea Queen. Curious?

Come out to the show!

HER MAJESTY

a solo exhibition by Rachel Rader

Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan

312 S. Washington St.

Seattle, WA

First Thursday opening: March 3rd, 6- 8pm

If Seattle is too far of a shlep, not to worry! I'll be posting pictures of the work on my website in March/ April.

If you're able to make it out to the opening you're in for a treat...

I've booked a Pedal Steel Guitar player to perform.

Ahhhh! So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you can make it out!

It's the final countdown

2011-01-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

Oh man, I've been slacking on my blog updates! I'm in the final month of prep for my show, so I've been really trying to focus and get everything done in time. I still have a lot to do, but it's all coming together!

I'm printing out my postcards for the show this week:

I've ordered 1,000 so that I can really get the word out properly.

I've also been working with James Harnois to prepare to take a photograph emulating this picture of Queen Elizabeth, but with a little twist:

In the version for my show, Her Majesty the Sea Queen will be photographed in all her coronation regalia. This will be a part of the installation in my show in March.

Currently, I'm trying to complete the work to be photographed within the next couple of weeks so that I can put a small catalog together. I've been spending most of my time beading, cold-working, and finishing all the pieces for the show. One month to go!!!!

Can't wait!

I've been looking a lot at Banksy's work lately and getting really inspired by how he makes work that's experienced by everyone who comes into contact with it on the street. There's a power in his artwork that's rarely seen in the galleries and museums.

The following two pictures were taken of his artwork on the West Bank Barrier in the Middle East:

Bansky's work is as much about the location as it is about the imagery.

I love it!

2011, here I come!

2010-12-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

With the new year approaching, I have a lot of exciting new changes on the horizon. First off, I'm moving into a new art studio at the 1020 building in downtown Seattle, which is a huge change from the studio set up in my apartment which has become too small for the bigger projects I've been working on.

Also, I'm headed to Iceland in the fall for a residency.

And lastly, my first solo show is in March!!! The photo above and below of the starfish cake are pictures I just got taken by Dan Fox to promote the show!

I recently took a PMC (Precious Metal Clay) class at Pratt Fine Arts Center, and I'm so excited about it!!! I'm super stoked to set up things in the new studio so that I can work more with it. Below is a picture of a ring that I'm made while in the class. I tried to stick to my usual forms but with the new material. Hidden within the fine silver petals are cubic zirconias and a sapphire. I'm so stoked to make a whole series of these rings!

As for "works in progress"... Below are photos of a necklace that I'm working on. All the felt parts you see will eventually be covered in beads. The chain is made of glass, which is a new approach for me. I'm trying to incorporate materials that are more durable into my jewelry. I think that it will help support the more delicate parts, like the coral in the necklace below.

So, yes yes.. 2011 is going to be a good year. Thanks for reading and see you in the new year!

A new look for a new year!

2010-12-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hello all! With 2011 just around the corner, I figured that this would be a good time to freshen up my branding. I've been thinking about doing this for a while and now it seems the perfect time with my show coming up in March and all. So, I am switching my brand name over to Rachel Rader Inc. as my main name for my company. Don't worry! I'm not dropping Mermaid Empire! I'm keeping that alias for my jewelry line. Mermaid Empire will be the design house name for my jewels, under the Rachel Rader Incorporated title. It just seems more appropriate with the direction I'm taking my larger works.

Also, notice the new and improved blog format... Oh yeah! 2011 here I come!

The Urban Craft Uprising was a great success!!! Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out! Below are some pictures of my booth.

bouquet of seaweed

Mermaid Food cake

me :)

Sea Flower Earrings

I learned a lot doing this one! I got some great feedback from people... Feedback that's led me to start thinking about creating a whole wedding line. Mermaid Bride! And possibly a whole line of phosphorescent Jewels!

So exciting!

If you weren't able to come out this past weekend for the Uprising, you still have the chance to see the Mermaid Jewels in person at an open studio sale that I'm doing this weekend:

4136 Meridian Ave. N.

in Wallingford, Seattle

December 10th-12th

10am- 7pm

Etsy site launched, just in time for the holidays!

2010-12-02T01:52:00.000-08:00

I've officially launched my Etsy store for the Mermaid Empire: here!

It's still kind of under construction but I wanted to get it up before all the craft sales start up. Speaking of which...

Urban Craft Uprising is this weekend!
It's at Seattle Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center.

December 4 & 5, 11am- 5pm

free admission!
Come by and say hi!

Then next weekend, I'm going to be in a open studio sale in Wallingford with some friends:

December 10th-12th, 10 am- 7pm

4136 Meridian Ave. N.

Seattle

I've been working on a whole new collection of Mermaid Jewels for all the craft shows!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch...check it out!

Sea Flower brooches and earrings!

So maybe you need some Sea Flower earrings in your life, or you're looking for a gift, or you just want to see all the new jewels that I've made... In any case, come out to the holiday sales!

xo & Happy Holidays!

Clam-shell throne!

2010-11-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

Man, keeping up on a weekly post for the blog is tough. I think I'm going to resolve to do a post every other week. That's not bad, right?

So, here's what's been keeping me busy lately...

I'm welding a clam shell throne, which you can see the start of in the pictures above and below. This is going to be at the center of my show in march. In front of the chair will be a table abundant with Mermaid Food. The whole show will be an installation. So, I'm making furniture and parts that all depict a Sea Queen's tea parlor.

Over the past 6 months, I've been using the Jon and Mary Shirley scholarship I got from Pratt to learn how to weld. It's been changing the way I make. Now I'm able to build structures that support all the delicate materials that I typically use.

Urban Craft Uprising is right around the corner!

I've been making a ton of new pieces to be at the show.

Would love to see you there!

December 4 & 5, 2010

11am -5pm

Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

(Free Admission)

Here's a picture of my Sea Flower Earring production:

For you guys that are too far to make it to the Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle, I'm working on getting my jewels online so that they're available for purchase. I'll post more later!

Well, I'm off to make more jewels!

Thanks for reading!!

crowns, tassels and barnacles

2010-11-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

In doing research for my upcoming show today, it dawned on me how these objects of royalty are similar to relics of Jewish culture. Growing up in Jewish tradition, I was surrounded with beautiful religious objects that have a understood history and meaning. There's a ceremony and usually a prayer accompanying the use of everything in Judaism. I find this practice very intriguing, especially in contrast to they way we treat objects today in the throw-away culture that we live in.

Above is a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II, elegantly posed with the coronation regalia or Crown Jewels. These Jewels hold a religious significance and date back to before the Protestant Reformation.

Each object is held in reverence and carefully displayed on tassel-adorned pillows in glass cases. Have I mentioned how in love with tassels I am? I've been doing research on them as well...

Meanwhile... I've been also working on making as many Sea Flower earrings as I possibly can in preparation for all the holiday sales coming up.

And... Candy barnacles for future Mermaid Food for the show in March.

I really like how the pink ones came out!

That's it for now, thanks for reading!

cushions on pedestals!

2010-10-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

Tisk tisk on me. It's been a couple of weeks since I've blogged. It gets kinda tough to keep up with the online stuff when life gets a little hectic... But, here I am making time for it.

Autumn has definitely arrived in Seattle. The leaves are all shades of red, yellow and orange. Above is a picture of the Japanese Maple tree on my porch. I love my little tree!

I've been doing a lot of making in preparation for everything that's about to happen.... I'm doing 3 craft shows for the holidays and I'm having my show at the Pratt gallery in March. So.... yeah, I've got a lot to prepare for.

Below are a bunch of sand cast pedestals I've been making for my jewelry.

I'm making cushions for the pedestals...

I'm still playing with the sizing and materials.

But I really like how precious they're turning out!

I've also been working on some new jewels for the show in March. I'm making a whole collection of "Crown Jewels" from the sea.

Well, thanks for reading! More to come next week... as long as my busy schedule doesn't swallow me up!

tassels, horse-drawn carriages and men in tights

2010-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

So, I skipped last weeks blog post... oops. But, I'm back in action this week! I've started to pick up the momentum in getting ready for my show in March, so I've been a bit busier lately.

I'm taking another welding class at Pratt. (((I love welding!))) I'm making a clam shell that you can sit in... it's a clam shell thrown. I'll try and show process shots soon.

With my show coming up I've been doing a lot of research, of things I'm interested in. In this research I discovered that there's a ton of videos documenting royal processions, weddings and other ceremonies decked out in tassels, horse-drawn carriages, and men in tights. Got to love it! Amongst all of these videos I found this gem:

Oh yeah.... and... I've decided on a show title, drum roll please....

Her Majesty.

What do you think?

Mermaid Brooch, in progress

2010-09-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a brooch right now... I can't seem to get enough of stitching. I love it. It's obsessive, meditative and oh so satisfying to cover a surface in parts.

I make all the little sculpey clay beads before starting and spread out what I think I might need from my collection of pearls, found objects and such. Then, I dive into my stitching while watching numerous episodes of Gilmore Girls or listening to This American Life.

It's hard work, but someone has to do it. ;)

I've been making glass beads with cubic zirconias in them... Just a little more bling to incorporate into my decadent little jewels. Stacy Frost at Pratt Fine Arts Center, showed me how to work the stones in. Loving it!

I'll post more photos later once the piece is finished.

Yay Mermaid Jewels!

best kayaking trip... ever!

2010-09-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Summer feels like it's coming to a close here in Seattle. We are starting to get our overcast skies back, and the breeze is beginning to smell more and more like Fall. So, when my Dad came into town a week ago from Virginia, excited to do a kayaking trip for 3 days, I began to get a little nervous about the weather. We drove to Anarcotes and rode the ferry to Friday Harbor in daunting weather. But, as soon as we geared up and began to paddle, the sun started to come out. Aw yes, beautiful sun!

We paddled through a company called, Outdoor Odysseys. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in doing a kayaking trip in the area. Everything was taken care of: They cook for you, provide you with all the equipment, and make the experience super fun. Our guide's name was Laura. She is so great! She knows her stuff and has a ton of really cheesy jokes up her sleeve to share over the duration of the trip.

Above is an island of Bull Kelp. It was everywhere! Apparently, this kelp grows up to a foot a day! In researching it on the interwebs, I found out that kelp used to be a key ingredient in glassmaking.

While kayaking we grabbed onto the kelp to anchor ourselves while taking breaks from paddling, in the middle of heavy currents.

Lighthouse!

We saw a TON of wildlife... Starfish, jellyfish, seals (they were everywhere!), sea lions, crabs (one came up to visit my lap from a piece of bull kelp that I grabbed onto), porpoises, eagles, deer, and last but not least.... ORCA WHALES!!!!!!!!!!!

On our 3rd and last day of paddling, we were exhausted and all paddling against powerful winds that had us progressing at about an inch a minute. Then, in our last hour of paddling our guide had us take a break on a bull kelp island. We all spotted a collection of boats at 2 o'clock.... then, huge black dorsal fins started to appear in the distance. We all watched in amazement as they came closer and closer to where we were resting.

A whole pod of Orcas carved through the water in front of us. A couple of whales came within 100 yards of us! It was amazing! I didn't want to take any pictures because I just wanted to observe them and not waste any time fumbling for my camera. (sorry!) Photos wouldn't have done the sighting any justice anyways.

jellyfish!

These are pictures of a small tide pool filled with a gorgeous little ecosystem... Sea anemones, seaweed, and snails, oh my!

This trip was sooooo inspiring! And by far one of THE best vacations I've ever taken.

Thanks Dad! :)

I'll probably be posting more pictures from the trip as I incorporate my new inspirations into my artwork.

Now, turn off your computer and go outside and explore! This planet is a pretty cool place.

casting night!

2010-09-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

I just had a fab casting session with some friends at Pratt. I usually T.A. for Cathy Chase in her hot casting class on Wednesday nights. But, John, Matt, Russell and I had the studio to ourselves tonight, it was super fun!

For those of you unfamiliar with the hot glass casting process.... Below is a photo of the molds I made. You can press any object into the sand to create an open-face "negative" which you then ladle molten glass into to create your "positive".

I make cake stands with this process, which Mermaid Food sits on.

The white stuff is glass powder, which I dust over doilies.

I'm a little obsessed with doilies.

This is Russell being safe in the studio:

Gotta love making art with friends. :)

*** This coming week, I'm going on a bit of a vacation. My Dad's coming to visit from Virginia. We're going kayaking for 3 days in the San Juans. I'm sure I'll have pictures to share when I get back. I hope that we see whales!

Mermaid Cupcakes!

2010-08-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what a Mermaid Cupcake would taste like?

Well, Friday night is your night then.

If you're in the Seattle area, I'm giving a talk downtown at:

1301 First Ave. Suite 301 at 7pm, (see more info below on the previous post).

And yes there will be Mermaid Cupcakes!

join or drown

2010-08-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

What do you think? A little dramatic, right? I'm making stickers with this slogan on them. Eventually, I'd like to make patches with the Mermaid Empire logo on them (above)... Then people can be a part of the club, and prove it.

This weekend I have a lot going on:

On Friday, August 27

I'm giving an "artist talk" along with my fellow EDGE graduates.

There will be edible Mermaid Food at the party afterward.

7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

GGLO, 1301 First Ave, Suite 301, Seattle

(entrance down the Harbor Steps on the right)

2010 Visual EDGE Graduates

Terry Balle

Lori Bellamy

Julia Heineccius

Michelle Kim

Veronique Le Merre

Jennifer Arlem Molina

Jocelyn Moss

Meg Murch

Angel O'Leary

Armelle O'Neill

Rachel Rader

Roger Shurtleff

Karen Ussery

Binky Walker

Suze Woolf

Then, on Saturday and Sunday, August 28th and 29th....

I will be selling Mermaid Jewels at a Studio Sale in Wallingford.

4136 Meridian Ave N

10am-7pm

So, if you're in Seattle... maybe I'll see you out and about!

Thanks for reading! :)

good things, good things!

2010-08-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

This week I've been spending a lot of time getting organized, in my life and studio. And man, is that time consuming! I'm on day 3 today... phew! I feel like I get so swept up with my daily life that I rarely take the time to clean, organize, and evaluate. I'm thinking that I need to do this on a weekly basis to keep up.

I'm taking a 8 week workshop through Artist Trust called the EDGE program, this summer. It's a professional development program for visual artists. I would highly recommend it to any artist who's trying to move their career forward. Every week we focus on something new, be it artist statement, resume, grants... It's all covered in this course.

Thus my organization week. This class is making me realize how unorganized I am in my studio and life.... in general. Haha! I'm learning. I made a pact with myself to apply to more stuff this year, and it takes a lot of organization to not miss those deadlines.

Out of those applications I've started putting out, I've already started to see some positive results! The biggest successes so far being the Jon and Mary Shirley scholarship which I received from Pratt Fine Arts Center and the acceptance from Pratt to have my first solo show at the Pratt gallery in downtown Seattle! Yay!

For this solo show in March I want to install a whole new body of work. I've been doing a lot of experimentation in the studio. Below is a study of some things I've been trying out.

Starfish that look like sugar cookies!

And squiggly worm-like toppings for Mermaid Food.

I've got 8 months until March... which really isn't much time. I've got to start making!!!!

I'll be posting on a nearly weekly basis, and I love any comments and suggestions you might have to offer.

Thanks for reading!

The Uprising has passed and Summer is in full swing!

2010-07-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

So much to report this week!

The Urban Craft Uprising was a great success. I met a lot of really great people and learned a LOT! Above is a picture of me and my booth. This was my first time taking part in a craft fair like this, I didn't know what to expect.

For sale I had: Octopus Pendants, Octopus Earrings, Diatom Necklaces, Diatom Bracelets, and Sea Flower Brooches. I think the Sea Flower Brooches were the most popular.

I am making some progress in getting more of these jewels on my website and available for purchase. In the meantime, if you're in Seattle you can spot some of these Mermaid adornments at Far4.

My friend Hali, who was visiting from NY, helped me "man" the booth that weekend. She's a talented sculptor and a very good friend. This is her below at La Push:

After the Uprising we headed out to the Olympic Peninsula for a couple of days. La Push is unbelievably gorgeous! At low tide you can walk up to rocks covered in millions of muscles and barnacles.

I want to EAT you! yummmm!

I'm looking forward to more explorations by the sea this Summer!

yay!

We have a winner!

2010-07-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Kristine Husband is the lucky winner of a pair of Octopus earrings from the Mermaid Jewels line. She signed up on our mailing list at the Urban Craft Uprising this past weekend to enter the drawing. Congrats Kristine!

(Octopus earrings!)

Urban Craft Uprising, this weekend!!!!

2010-07-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yay! It finally feels like Summer in Seattle! The sun is out, it's warm and you can see those gorgeous mountains that hide behind clouds for most of the year.

This weekend if you happen to be around town, come out and say hi at my booth at the Urban Craft Uprising! I'm selling these octopus pendants and earrings to match. They're made of glass and hang on a silicone cord. This week I'm going to dip the steel loops that they hang from in tool dip, so that the steel will look like dripping rubber. mmmmm drippy!

I've made them in a million different colors so you're bound to find one you'd like to call your own, or give as a present. They're $30 a pendant. $25 for the earrings.

!! If you come to my booth on Saturday or Sunday you can enter a contest to win a free pair of earrings!!

July 10th and 11th, 11am-5pm

at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

Hope to see you there!!

Fresh from the oven!

2010-06-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've been talking about making cakes that leak for a while now. Finally, I've made some. Of course, these are the first of many. I wanted to make a few to experiment the piping with, and then move on to make bigger and better cakes. I learned a lot making these guys. Last Tuesday I had the whole hot shop at Pratt with six friends helping. It was so exciting! (Pics coming soon...)

I feel so fortunate to be living in such a supportive art community. None of this would be possible without Pratt Fine Arts Center and my amazingly talented glassblower- friends that helped this week! Thanks Jason, Tyler, Brennan, Ashley, Lisa and Michelle!

The following are a few pictures I took just to document the cakes (once they're finished, I'll post the professionally taken pics on my website):

toasted marshmallow anemones!

starfish!

yum!

Also, I currently have Mermaid Jewels up at {far4} in downtown Seattle. If you're in the hood check it out! {Far4} is super cute! I'm so happy to have my jewels in there.

Well, that's it for this week. Thanks for reading!

Auction, Davide and cake!

2010-05-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

I had made a little pact with myself to do a blog post a week, at the beginning of the year. But, of late I have been slacking off. Shame on me!

I have had a very eventful May this year. (Thus, the blog neglect).

First of all, there was the Pratt Fine Arts Auction, which was so fun!

from left to right: Kate Thorbeck, Lisa Piaskowy, Paul Cunnigham, Morgan Peterson, Davide Salvadore, Domenico Cavallaro, Rachel Rader (me).

Then, all of last week I was in Davide Salvadore's class at Pratt Fine Arts, watching him create amazing murrini pieces while my jaw hit the floor over and over. For those of you reading that are not glass people, check out Davide's work:

Davide Salvadore

This week, I'm back in the hot shop making more Mermaid Food. Yesterday we made a cupcake, a 2-tier cake and a 4-tier cake. (Pictures coming soon!)I'm working with these fused hollow murrini stacks to make my performance cakes I keep talking about:

When the cakes are done something will be leaking out of the tubes. Here's a sketch of one of my cake ideas:

yum!

Thanks for reading! I'll try and post more frequently. :0

Just another week at the Mermaid Empire...

2010-04-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week for me. But, I did take a break to watch a movie.

If you haven't seen it already, watch Werner Herzog's "Encounter at the End of the World". It's a movie that documents life in a science research base in Antarctica. There's some amazing footage of dives under the ice... and interviews with some really quirky people.

On another note, Seattle's Stranger just did a little write up on Fancy this week with a mention of our "Accumulation" show.

Here's the link to the article: the Stranger

And... more pics of my installation up at Fancy. It looks like we're going to keep the show up a little longer because of the press it's been getting. So, if you haven't seen it already you've got until the end of May. Check it out!

Accumulation opening

2010-04-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

I get knocked off my feet every time I have an opening. I'm thrown for an existential crisis at the end of such a high. It takes all this effort to make the work, then I put it up in a space. The opening happens, lots of amazing friends come out to support me... and then BAM, it's over. Then, I'm just left to figure out what's next.

And I love it.

It's exhilarating to keep trying to push what I do to another level, and try to make it bigger and better every time.

The Accumulation opening was awesome!

Here are some pictures from the opening reception:

If you want to see more, Fancy posted a blog about it. Thank you sooooooo much to everyone who was able to come out and support us! I had such a blast that night, and it's because of you! :)

If you were unable to make it out that night, the show will be up until May 6th at Fancy.

xo,

Rachel

Accumulation

2010-04-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm in a group show called Accumulation,
Opening at Fancy Friday, April 9th
reception from 6-9 p.m.
show on display through May 7th.
1914 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 956-2945

The show will feature new work by Sarah Loertscher, Dixie Darling and myself.

Come on down for the reception this Friday, if you're in the area!

Hope to see you than!!

Rachel Rader

Sarah Loertscher

Dixie Darling

I'm back from Florida!

2010-03-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Florida was such a blast! Thank you to everyone who was able to make it out for the "Colour" show curated by Laura Donefer at the Hodgell Gallery.

This is a photo of the artists involved in the group show, at the opening on March 11th:

From left to right: Alexander K. Smiley, Rachel Rader (me), Laura Donefer, Katherine Poeppel, Paull Rodrigue, Richard Moiel, Kathleen Elliot.

And this is a photo of my Mermaid Food in the space:

The work will be up for a while. So, if you're in the area check it out if you haven't already! :)

I had so much fun! I met a lot of people, ate amazing food, and got a little bit of time to play in the sun. On the last day a group of us who were in the show spent all day on the beach. The day before, there was a really bad storm so there were a lot of good finds:

Thank you Laura and Brian for having me in the show!!!!!

Venice Beach

2010-03-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

My opening in Florida is this Thursday, March 11, at the Hodgell Gallery, in Sarasota. These are pictures of the necklace that I'm going to be wearing at the opening. If you want to see more info on the show check out my past posting from February called, "Colour"

I've always wanted to wear a necklace encrusted with pearls! I'm calling her Venice Beach after a beach that I used to go to all the time when I was younger, near my Grandfather's house in Sarasota. You can find pearly-transparent shells there. I used to collect them and make jewelry out of them when I was younger. So, I guess not much has changed!

So excited for the show on Thursday! I'll post pictures when I return. Yay!

Out with the old, in with the new!

2010-02-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

Good day!!!

I've officially sent out all of the pieces for my show in Florida, yay! Also, put in my donation to the Pratt Fine Arts Center auction. Looking around at my studio it feels really bare. It's great! For the first time in a long while fresh ideas started popping into my head. I was beginning to wonder when I would start feeling those "ah ha!" moments again. I guess it took purging my life of all the glass work I've made over the past year and a half.

I had a lot of time to sit and write today. While writing, things started to make sense. I think it's hard to know why you've made something while it's right in front of you.

I've been thinking of making Mermaid Food that performs. The first of these performing cakes will be one that drips with real icing. Below are a couple of sketches.

Also, above is a photo of a murrini pull I did a couple of weeks ago. I just can't get over how much detail you can put into murrini. I think I'm obsessed with overabundance, and using murrini in my artwork adds instant multiples. It takes about 3 hours to set up and make each murrini pull, and I love it!

I'm going to be doing some experimentation with fusing the hollow murrini at different temperatures in molds for the icing-expelling cake. Eventually, I'd love to end up with a 5-tier cake that drips with icing like a magical fountain. Yes!

Thanks for reading! :)

Colour

2010-02-17T09:26:00.000-08:00

This week I'm doing all the finishing touches to get my pieces ready to be shipped off to Florida. I'm in a group show at the Hodgell Gallery in Sarasota, Florida.

Here I come Florida!!!

I'm going to be flying in for the opening! So, if you're in any proximity to Sarasota I would love to see you there!!!

Colour

A group show featuring Laura Donefer, Paul Rodrigue, Dick Moeil, Kathy Peoppel, Kathleen Elliot, and Rachel Rader.

Opens March 11, 2010.

Hodgell Gallery

46 Palm Avenue South

Sarasota, Florida 34236

*There will be an artist lecture at the Selby Library in Downtown Sarasota 1:30PM,

and a reception (after the lecture), at the gallery until 6pm.

3 weeks and counting!

and now for some inspiration...

2010-02-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

My Friend Tia Kramer, who lived in Antarctica for a bit, recently shared these photos with me. They were taken by a researcher named Bruce Miller in Antarctica's waters in the austral summer of 2007-2008, and they're very inspiring.

Antarctica sea fairy?

Starfish in love

The following is a TED talk given by Robert Ballard. He talks about the unexplored depths of our own planet. Towards the last 5 minutes of the talk, his enthusiasm is intoxicating:

If you couldn't tell, I'm slightly obsessed. So, if you have any pictures or sites that you think I should check out, let me know.

Thanks for reading :)

Blue Lagoon, in progress...

2010-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

I've always dreamt of making a necklace totally covered in pearls. Well, today is the day. Introducing the newest addition to the Mermaid Jewels collection. I was thinking of naming it Blue Lagoon.

To make my jewelry I start with a sewn and stuffed cushion that I encrust with beads that I make and buy. Above is a picture of all the sculpey petal beads I made for the Blue Lagoon necklace, that I have yet to sew on.

I'm so excited about this necklace! I'm planning on wearing it at my opening in Florida in March (which I'll blog more about in the next couple of weeks...). All the white fabric parts that you see above will be totally covered in beads by the end. I have a lot of work to do!

Stay tuned for pictures of the completed piece!

new years resolution

2010-01-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

"Crabs Courting"

by moi

photos by Stephen Vest

It's 2010. Oh yeah.

My resolution for 2010 is to keep up with all the online aspects of Mermaid Empire. I am going to write a blog entry once a week, even if that means just putting a sketch up. I have so much going on that I want to share. 2010 is going to be a busy year for me. I've got shows lined up, a collaboration project in the works, and lots of ideas to try out.

So here we go! 2010! :)

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea seaweed!

2009-12-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased some of the spare seaweed from the 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea ride at Disney World. Apparently the ride became extinct in 1994. I found a website where a guy named Dave goes into great detail to commemorate the ride. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

http://www.20kride.com/home.html

He has posted a video which documents the ride from start to finish that brings back memories and fantasies from my childhood.

I bought the spare seaweed on Ebay, and plan on using it in future projects. Stay tuned!

NEW sea~flower earrings!

2009-11-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Introducing the newest addition to the mermaid jewels collection, sea~flower earrings! They're light-weight, sparkly, and come in every color found under the sea! There will be a selection available at Fancy all throughout December:

www.fancyjewels.com

Wear me!

NEW photos!!!

2009-11-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

This week I had a photo-shoot to document some of my new work in the mermaid jewels series. Stephen Vest was the photographer and the lovely Natasha Kuring, modeled the jewels.

You can see all of the new photos on my website.

Check it out!

www.rachelrader.com

PLUSH YOU

2009-10-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have some mermaid jewels in a lovely group exhibition at Fancy called PLUSH YOU.

The opening is Friday October 9, from 6-9pm.

1914 Second Ave.

Seattle, WA

Would love to see you there!

Fancy website

Pilchuck Glass School Auction

2009-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again... it's time for the Pilchuck Glass School Auction! I'm so excited! My piece made it into the live auction. Here is a link to the lising in the catalog:
http://www.pilchuck.com/events/auction_catalog_2009/item.php?id=67

The piece is called Anemone-ganache-filled Cupcake, it's from the Mermaid Food Series.

The auction is on Friday, Ocober 23rd at the Westin Seattle.
If you can't make it to the actual night of the auction, there is a free preview called "Pilchuck on Display" on Thursday, October 22nd 5:30- 8pm.

Hope to see you there!

Urban Glass blog!

2009-08-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

Urban Glass has put up a blog posting featuring tons of photos of participating artists from the Glass Fashion show in Corning, New York (yes, there's one of me as well). Laura Donefer is putting a book together with all of our photos in it. I'm going to be in a book!

Here's the link for the Urban Glass Blog.

NEW! Anemone bonbons... yumyum!

2009-07-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Recently, I started making these little anemone bonbon pins. They're tiny and light-weight... The perfect thing for when all you need is a bite of something sweet.

Nosh on these mermaids!

I'm making lots of them. Soon, I'll put them up on etsy so that you can purchase your own bonbon.

yumyum!

Lost and Found opening

2009-07-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who were able to come out and support me last night at the opening of Lost and Found, a group show featuring "Mermaid Food". I really appreciate it!!!! For those who were not able to make it, the show will be up all of July:

Pratt Fine Arts gallery in the Tashiro Kaplan building

306 Washigton st. noon- 5 (Fridays and Saturdays).

inverted mermaid part 3

2009-07-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

photo by Jared Luxenberg

see more at www.rachelrader.com

The glass fashion show was AMAZING!!!! There were 70 artists involved. The fashion show was in Corning, New York in June 2009. Laura Donefer organized and ran the whole thing... Awesome awesome awesome! I wish I could have 2,000 people cheer for me on a regular basis.

Check out the video below:

inverted mermaid part 2

2009-05-06T10:24:00.001-07:00

I finished the costume!

photo taken by Perla Sitcov

More photos coming soon!!!

inverted mermaid

2009-04-19T23:54:00.001-07:00

I am making an inverted mermaid costume.

I feel like I've been working on this project forever.

(This is a picture from when I was nearly finished with the knitting part of the piece.)

After hours and hours of knitting and beading, I think I'm finally starting to see the possibility of finishing this thing. I will be wearing the costume in the glass fashion show in Corning, NY at the Glass Art Society Conference, on June 13th (www.glassart.org). Which is why I need to hustle. I have so much more to do! Ahh!

Just breathe.

the first of many...

2009-04-08T11:50:00.000-07:00