Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Rhone.
Raquel, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve been skilled at drawing since middle school; arts and crafts were always an interest of mine. I decided to study graphic design at SDSU, which required me to also take several drawing and painting classes. In late 2017, I started doing custom family portraits in my spare time and fell in love with acrylic painting along the way. Bringing it to present time, I was recently laid off from my full-time graphic design job, so I decided to just go full-on with my art and design career as an entrepreneur. I won’t be looking back — I now plan to develop my freelance graphic design work into full-time self-employment along with creating an selling original artwork.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I do mostly acrylic paintings on canvas. I sometimes incorporate a 3-D aspect to my work, making one or two elements of the composition using a three-dimensional object. Most of my artwork portrays black women, each beautiful in their own way. I like to portray these women as being confident, powerful, and in control of their surroundings. I do this because representation matters. It is important for young black girls and boys to see positive images of themselves, their hair, their complexion — whether it be light or dark. They can see themselves as art, not as something negative or threatening. This is why I make art. That, and because I love to bring images to life. I love what I do and I enjoy the way that art brings people together.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
I believe that today’s political climate encourages me to stick to my individuality and continue to uplift women. Women are emerging as powerful public figures and leaders. Black women are opening up businesses and embracing their natural beauty. Powerful, confident and successful women inspire to create the work that I do.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can view and purchase my artwork and t-shirt designs on my Etsy shop, www.etsy.com/shop/raquelsartstudio. I also post all new work on Facebook and Instagram. I am Raquel Rhone on Facebook and @raquelsartstudio on Instagram.
Additionally, I encourage you to visit First Saturday’s at the Spot on 6443 Imperial Ave the first Saturday of every month. This event is a gathering of local vendors selling a variety of goods. It is a family-friendly event complete with a kid’s corner and elder’s table. We dance, sing, watch live performances and have a great time. I am there every month with my artwork set up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/raquelsartstudio
- Email: raqueldrhone@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelsartstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquel.rhone3
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