Painting of a man holding 8 ball while wearing hat with people inside

Artist Rachel Romano finds inspiration in personal myth, and the stories of others.

“The laughter, love, and sorrow of our lives fills my creative well. It is this connection to one’s heart that helps me bring out the richness of story in my work. It is important for me to explore my deeper self, to discover how we find strength through change and adversity. 

My paintings and drawings are expressed in a more traditional style, but their meanings are relevant to our contemporary world. The process begins with a very rough drawing/scribble in my sketchbook. Working in oils has so much forgiveness, wiping out, adding new layers. It is perfect for me and “my thinking as I am doing.” Consequently my paintings will go through many iterations before they are complete.

It is hope that when people view my paintings, they are taken “somewhere else” within the story.”


ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Contemporary Painter Rachel Romano is a figurative storyteller. Her connection to art begin at age 7 with sojourns with her father to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which planted the seeds of storytelling.  A few years back Rachel attended workshops with Tim Hawkesworth to connect with her personal vision. Thinking she was visual storyteller for children, she discovered she is a storyteller for adults. Her paintings have a Shakespearean quality with some darkness and whimsy, full of symbolism and allegory. Often she is asked to explain the imagery and stories behind them. Rachel says, “Everything has a meaning, I can explain the meanings, but I’d rather the viewer give the language and find the narrative.

Her works are collected here in the US and internationally. Rachel has been awarded residencies in Europe, where she paints each year. Otherwise, she can be found in her studio in Coatesville PA.

Opening Reception: September 10th, 2021, 6 PM to 8 PM

View the full exhibition online