Artist Statement

Rachel Law

Have you ever wondered how your family has impacted you and how they have made you the person you are today? My investigation has led me to learn new things about myself and the people that have helped shape me. I have always been an artist, constantly creating since I was able to hold a crayon, so this investigation has been a great way to create pieces near and dear to my heart. My Sustained Investigation has led me to ask questions about my genetics, my faith, my favorite places, and my future plans. For these projects, I have used a variety of materials including acrylic, charcoal, watercolor, colored pencils, pens, and markers. These materials were sometimes combined for mixed media pieces to add interest, and each material was chosen specifically to showcase my abilities. My work started with my mom's side of the family and eventually grew into my dad's side of the family. I began with a look into the most influential women in my family, including them in multiple pieces to show unity in those works. I transitioned the investigation towards the places that remind me of my family and that make me feel happiest. There is a middle area of my investigation where the pieces are a blend of the two sides of my family, showcasing the mixture I am of the two sides. Next, the pieces become more centered around my dad's family, but still sticking with the idea of genetics and places. My overall investigation has been to truly learn about myself and the way I have been shaped by my family while still becoming my own person. I have felt lost at times, but my art has helped me express and figure out what I was once confused about. With each brushstroke and mark, art has given me a way to show others who I am.