our art: RACHEL DURBIN
The Art Of Pretty
Local artist balancing work as barista with plans
for an art-filled future
By MEL W RHODES
A
rtists come in all shapes and sizes and with all kinds
of ideas and methods for getting their art out there.
Whether it’s oil painting or sculpture, watercolors or pen
and ink, art is a very individualistic and in the best cases,
highly emotive act.
While making art is in itself a sort of declaration of
independence, artists know they are building on founda-
tions laid by the greats, those whose foresight and will-
32
ingness to break with tradition changed the world, or at
least the way in which it is viewed. Artists usually have a
favorite master or two.
For Weatherford illustrator Rachel Durbin, it’s Vincent
Van Gogh (1853-1890), the Dutch post-impressionist
painter who never achieved rock star status during his
lifetime, but in history is among the most famous and
influential artists in Western art. Durbin likes the relaxed