Recently got a chance to interview artist Rachael Hutton who has been growing as a young artist in Botswana lately.

Do you do custom paintings (commissions)?

Yes I do custom paintings and I’ve always been about and for the people.

How long have you been painting?

I’ve been painting for a few years, I drew my whole life but not paint. It’s not something I’ve always done but as soon as I started I knew that’s what I was destined to focus on.

Which artists are you most influenced by?

I don’t know, I can’t think of 1 in particular because I follow a lot of artists internationally.

When that question pops up my mind starts thinking of all them all at once and I always fail to choose because they are all so good.

Did you always want to be an artist?

Of course, I knew I was destined to be an artist when I was 6 yeaqrs old. I answer this a lot.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best thing about being an artist is that I get to share my mind with people, I get to communicate through visuals and get a chance to see poeple conversate with my art through their minds. My art has people talking and it is through exhibitions that I get to learn that.

What do you like most about being an artist?

People will talk about my work to me and I’d actually learn about it from other people and that’s the most amazing and satisfying thing about my work.

 Isn’t it hard to part with your paintings?

No it’s not hard to part with them. Everytime I make a painting I always keep in mind that it’s not mine. It belongs to someone out there, so when the time comes I’m satisfied that they are finally with their owner.

What inspires you to paint?

My mind. The fact that I know I am capable of doing the most, really motivates me. It inspires me to put on canvas what my mind puts up and it’s amazing. I suprise myself each time.

What work of art do you wish you owned?

I wish I owned “Edden Blooming” by Jessica Swan.

Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?

Colour. Colour is the most important thing in an art work, the way its used says a lot and with the right colours and the way they are put together in 1 piece can achieve a good work that lures people only because of how the colours have been used.

They set the mood everywhere. So its important and I’ve leant to have myself love it.

What international art destination do you most want to visit?

I’m still yet to decide on that.

Who’s your favorite living artist?

Among the many that I am in love with I’d say, Mari Yandreeva.

What’s the first artwork you ever sold?

A painting tilted Rage, of a raging tiger.

Where are you finding ideas for your work these days?

I explore around the internet and I end up with many ideas where I end up implementing them, just getting ideas from everywhere and mostly from my mind.

Do you make a living off your art?

Not fully, but yes I do. It’s not something I fully depend on as I have otther ventures I’m running too.

What does your work aim to say?

It aims to show how multidimensional I am because I do everything, with all types of art. Basically I’m contemporary mutlidimensional artist who works in culturally diverse and advancing world where its all about the people and only the people.

How have you developed your career?

I have learnt a lot, I have tapped into various types of art works and themes. I will to learn everyday and it’s never enough, I don’t stop learning. I feature in exhibitions and workshops and the main guest, There’s a lot of development, announcing more when I close deals.

 How do you price your work?

It depends on time , content and costs

How do you start a work — do you have any rituals?

Before I start, it takes time, like a day in advance where I sit and think of everything about what I’m about to do. Colours, content and advancements and I pray on it. Then start afresh the following day and work on it even overnight until I’m satisfied.

Is there a work of art you would like to have in your home next to your own work?

I don’t think so. I’ve never actually thought about it, and now that you asked me that, yes definitely. I would have to rage Jessica Swan’s studio, lol

What Role does the Artist have in Society?

An artist plays an important role in the society, we inspire people and help the country maintain its creativity reputation. Imagine a wide range of art works made by artists in Botswana, it would light up the country as a whole, people from outside appreciate art more than we do. That’s what would improve our reputation as a country. With exhibitions as well, we stand a chance. We get to interact with corporates and improve the economic state as well on the Arts sectionI don’t think so. I’ve never actually thought about it, and now that you asked me that, yes definitely. I would have to rage Jessica Swan’s studio, lol

Do you think you see the world differently than non-artists?

Maybe, I don’t know. I don’t know how and what I would be doing if I didn’t know how to paint. I can’t even begin to imagine.

How much time does it take to complete a painting?

That’s a very broad question. It depends on the content and I don’t only do art, i have other businesses as well so it takes days.

What does it mean to be original or unique (referring to art)? 

It means being able to convey exactly what’s in your mind and having the capabilities of actually having a conversation about that 1 art work. Owning up to your ideas and inspiring emerging artists.

Are you better today than when you first started?

Yes I am way much better. Every artist is. We grow with each experience and practice.

Do you create to understand or do you express what you have already learned?  Or is it some combination of both?

I have to have confidence in what I’m doing before I can even do it. So it has to be expressing what I have already learned and something else besides creating to understand which is creating to “express” my capabilities. When I say I surprise myself everytime, that’s what I mean.Does art have a purpose? 

Conclusion

Art is an expressive form of creation, that can connects people. Rachael Hutton does so in her artworks and is an inspiring artist to say the least.

If you would like to follow her on Instagram click here and to follow her Facebook pag click here.