insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 38
ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE: RACHEL ARIF cont.
originally from Rochdale, Lancashire where
I lived until my late 20s. I have since lived
in Leeds, Highgate and Belsize Park North
London then moved south of the river to
Clapham. Needing more space we
eventually decided on Chislehurst. I am
regularly surprised at how many people I
talk to have never heard of it. Location-wise
it couldn’t be better. It’s less than 25 minutes
into central London, has a vibrant high street,
elegant Victorian Royal Parade and lovely
commons. You feel as though you’re still
‘connected’ to London without the
headache.
You also work in Suffolk. Is there a big
difference between the two areas? Do they
inform your art differently?
We have a property in Saxmundham which
we go to most weekends. I get to explore
the beautiful rural villages close by and
experience the coastline while gaining
inspiration for my painting. The landscape
is very different to Kent. The villages near
to where our house is are like time stood
still. You literally feel as though you’ve
stepped back in time, all golden fields,
farmers markets, village fairs and galleries.
I find it refreshing. It clears my head and
there is beauty round every corner.
Constable himself was born in Suffolk and
painted his most celebrated works, the most
famous being “The Hay Wain”, which
depicts a horse and cart crossing the River
Stour.
You’ve said that you find the weather a
powerful force when it comes to creativity.
What kind of weather do you prefer? What
makes the most dramatic kind of art?
Yes, I love extreme weather. I love baked
grass and windswept beaches. I love the
movement, texture and colours that an ever-
changing landscape creates. Crashing
waves, scarlet clouds and grey dismal rainy
days. I think my most favourite works are
of bleak days in winter spent along the
beach.
What does the rest of 2017 (and beyond)
hold in store for you?
My daughter wants me to have a stall at the
Christmas fair at her school Babington
House, so that's a possibility. I have a couple
of meetings in Suffolk mid-November at
galleries to discuss representation. I’m
entering South East Open Studios next June
so have to plan for that. I have a further two
editorials to prepare for and am entering
Ashhurst Artist Prize competition. I am also
in talks with a couple of galleries in London
regarding exhibitions.
www.rachelarifart.com
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