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About me and my work...
Artist Statement
My earliest exposure to sculpture was carving decoy ducks and carousel horses, the techniques I learned became the bases for my working style which I consider to be traditional and speaks to craftsmanship which is what I value most as an artist. I’ve sought to understand many diverse materials, construction techniques and tools of the trade. To create a story I find inspiration from life experiences and combine with things I adore such as vintage mechanical toys.
My figurative sculpture is introspective, gentle and expressive with a hint of humor. The wood and materials I use, many of which were once discarded, are rich, tactile and authentic. I explore simple gestures that can speak volumes. Woodcarving is my preferred method of expression and combining antiques or found objects transforms this traditional art form, creating a unique story with its history. Scouring dusty barns, wood piles, and flea markets searching for the perfect object to complete the story to be told is my favorite pastime.
Sculpting fulfills my inherent need to create and satisfies a curiosity of how things work. The human figure is expressive and the lifeline journey a story we all share. Adding Kinetic movement or the ability to manipulate many of my sculptures was inevitable due to my love of mechanical toys and objects. The permission granted the viewer to be an active participant in the sculpture's story."
Biography
A native to Southern California, Rachelle Weir was influenced by urban farm life in rural Orange County and a deep curiosity of how things work. She often spent hours taking things apart fascinated by the springs and gears inside. Creativity was encouraged during childhood including all forms of art, crafting, building and sculpting. Rachelle's interest in woodcarving started at an early age fueled by her father, a carver and industrial arts teacher. Involvement in youth clubs and art classes encouraged involvement in competitions and critiques. Following her interests to college, she graduated from CSUF with a BFA in sculpture and studied at Glasgow School of Art, UK, where she discovered many examples of wood automata.
Rachelle divides her time between Santa Ana and Sacramento, where she works as an exhibit designer and manager for the California State Fair. She will be exhibiting for a second year at Festival of the Arts and is currently showing work at the Morris Museum’s “Tiny Intricacies” Exhibition, Morristown, NJ.
Artist Statement
My earliest exposure to sculpture was carving decoy ducks and carousel horses, the techniques I learned became the bases for my working style which I consider to be traditional and speaks to craftsmanship which is what I value most as an artist. I’ve sought to understand many diverse materials, construction techniques and tools of the trade. To create a story I find inspiration from life experiences and combine with things I adore such as vintage mechanical toys.
My figurative sculpture is introspective, gentle and expressive with a hint of humor. The wood and materials I use, many of which were once discarded, are rich, tactile and authentic. I explore simple gestures that can speak volumes. Woodcarving is my preferred method of expression and combining antiques or found objects transforms this traditional art form, creating a unique story with its history. Scouring dusty barns, wood piles, and flea markets searching for the perfect object to complete the story to be told is my favorite pastime.
Sculpting fulfills my inherent need to create and satisfies a curiosity of how things work. The human figure is expressive and the lifeline journey a story we all share. Adding Kinetic movement or the ability to manipulate many of my sculptures was inevitable due to my love of mechanical toys and objects. The permission granted the viewer to be an active participant in the sculpture's story."
Biography
A native to Southern California, Rachelle Weir was influenced by urban farm life in rural Orange County and a deep curiosity of how things work. She often spent hours taking things apart fascinated by the springs and gears inside. Creativity was encouraged during childhood including all forms of art, crafting, building and sculpting. Rachelle's interest in woodcarving started at an early age fueled by her father, a carver and industrial arts teacher. Involvement in youth clubs and art classes encouraged involvement in competitions and critiques. Following her interests to college, she graduated from CSUF with a BFA in sculpture and studied at Glasgow School of Art, UK, where she discovered many examples of wood automata.
Rachelle divides her time between Santa Ana and Sacramento, where she works as an exhibit designer and manager for the California State Fair. She will be exhibiting for a second year at Festival of the Arts and is currently showing work at the Morris Museum’s “Tiny Intricacies” Exhibition, Morristown, NJ.
My first duck carving, 1980 Full size carousel horse carved in 1991.
