News

Artwork Featured in Fall Literature and Arts Festival

Last modified on 2009-10-26 17:07:52 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

I was honored to have my work used to help promote the Fall Literature and Arts Festival in Columbia, South Carolina.

As a small child, I remember fondly the trips to the library. My mother and grandmother both held a tremendous love of books and reading, and our community library was only a few blocks from home. I loved to go into the children’s section and look through all of the books. I was held entranced by the pictures and the words. They each opened up a whole new world of possibilities to my child mind. It is a love that I still hold dear to my heart. I have an entire shelf in my studio dedicated to my ever growing collection of children’s books. I suppose this may have been the driving factor behind my choice to get a Master’s Degree in Illustration.

It is hard for me to imagine not having books in my life. So much joy has been brought into my life by reading and illustrating, but illiteracy is a serious problem in our country and around the world.  Literacy issues can have a lasting impact on income levels and future generations. In order to promote community wide literacy, Richland School District Two Education Foundation successfully inaugurated the first annual Fall Literature and Arts Festival in Columbia, South Carolina. The event was held on October 17, 2009 at Dent Middle School in Columbia.  The following description was written by James Manning on the Facebook event Page:

The Richland Two Foundation has partnered with the City of Forest Acres and Books-A-Million to bring in over 25 authors for book signings, reading time, and speaking events.

Acclaimed Authors Hill Harper (from CSI New York), Edie Hand (Elvis’s Cousin), Rose Rock (Mother of legendary comedian Chris Rock), and Anton Gunn (House Representative 79) along with many other authors will be there to sign books, provide speaking sessions, and to take pictures. Cocky and Clifford the Big Red Dog will be making appearances for the kids. There will also be performances by Richland 2 Students, reading time for kids, food from local vendors, and many other events.

For More on Literacy Statistics and Concerns in the US, please check out the following sites:

http://www.eurekawebs.com/humlit/fast_facts.htm
http://nces.ed.gov/naal/
http://www.begintoread.com/research/literacystatistics.html

Consider helping out with literacy initiatives in your area, or contact the Richland Two Foundation to offer your help for next year’s festival!

Reading Deprivation for Seven Days !!?!!

Last modified on 2009-09-10 13:52:41 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Five weeks ago, I began working through the book The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. I made a solid commitment to myself to complete the 12 week course.  As spirituality is between each person and their higher power, I have not shared any of my insights so far, but this past week was so incredibly amazing that I am compelled to share my review of Week 5: Recovering a Sense of Integrity in which I had to undergo 7 days of reading deprivation.

There have only been a few rules this past week, and I was reasonable successful at sticking to them all:

1. No Reading of any type – books, magazines, email or even my own writing
2. No random television – only watch things that are pertinent to spiritual and creative growth
3. Must eat quietly – meaning no television or other distractions while eating. – I added this one!

The purpose of these rules seems to be to quiet my world so that I can hear my inner self, to force me to branch out and do things I have been wanting/waiting to do, and to then have room for play, which is of course necessary for creative growth.

I found several interesting this this week. I am more able to exist in the moment without the distractions of email, tv, social , media, etc.  I believe before this week that I using media and electronic media as a crutch, as an excuse for working. I wasn’t actually getting any work done, however – not nearly as much as I have found myself capable of doing joyously.  By cutting out the “extra” stuff in my life, I have been able to exist in each moment and to enjoy it completely. With this has come the appreciation of my surroundings, the increase in volume of my inner self, a peaceful time.  My days seem to have more time in them, but it is actually that I have more quality moments.  I am constantly surprised and inspired by my inner voice.  It is a connection pipeline to the Great Creator from which continuous inspiration, support and love flows into me and into my world.  The more I listen, the louder that voice speaks to me through my creativity, the people around me, nature, and various synchronistic happenings.  I can feel the universe leading me to the right path for me, and I am amazed at the increase in the quality of my life.

I am also finding that the Law of Attraction is fast becoming my most favorite trusty law.  Like attracts like. A happy mood attracts happy occurances, while feelings of irritation attract irritating happenings.  In times of irritation, I am reminding myself that like always attracts like.  I am not quite able yet to fully acknowledge an emotion and let it go, but I am aiming for it!  Smiling especially when I don’t feel like it works a lot!

Also, this week I have found that I am doing an incredible amount of writing.  I feel it has been instrumental to this period of creative and spiritual growth.  I am writing as a meditative practice each morning and sometimes at other periods in the day.  I use my journal as my resting spot, my place to ask questions and give answers, my place to dream, to confront, my place to make sense of myself and the universe.  I have written in my journal, blog posts, business model developments, letters to myself from my inner child, proposals for winter art classes, and even a little poetry.

What is even more amazing is that my creativity has not stopped there.  In appreciating my surroundings, I have begun to “nest.” I hung curtains in my bedroom, finger-painted artwork to go above my bed, completely rearranged and reorganized my studio, and decorated my kitchen walls with bronze garden bugs.  And still more!!  My artist got a little of the action too! I created hand-drawn note cards, completed a home portrait, brainstormed and sketched some great ideas for a fantastical commission piece, and began two other paintings.  Plus, I made a few artist dates with myself as required to keep my life awe-inspiring and adventurous. I went to an art festival, took a few bike rides in Sun City, and created a collage of things I really love.

As I contemplate sharing this entry online, I can feel my next hurdle forming. I am looking at myself from the outside trying to imagine what others may see when they look at me. As I look at me with my old eyes, I think, “That chick is kind of out there!”  But on a personal level, I have never felt more empowered, more peaceful, more supported, and more capable of manifesting my reality.  I will now read and watch tv, but only what I enjoy and what is pertinent to my purpose – not as a distraction. Anything you do as distraction is hindering your advancement in reality. I will be aware of how I am spending my moments, and I will live in each moment.

Oh, by the way, I eat FAR less when I am not distracted by other things!!  But, I still love my cookies!!

Rachel is Aiming for the Stars!

Last modified on 2009-08-07 01:00:58 GMT. 2 comments. Top.

I was working away last week – minding my own business, when my wonderfully inspiring friend Tom sent me a Direct Message on Twitter informing me of an awesome opportunity – Bravo is hosting casting calls for a New Reality Contemporary Art Show. I immediately went to check it out, and I decided that very day that I had to go for it!

What is the show about?

Apparently Bravo is hosting casting calls for what they are currently calling The Untitled Art Project. The show’s concept has not been fully explained nor will it be until the series airs, but the basic concept is similar to that of Project Runway or Top Design – a group of specially chosen artists are given art projects they must complete within a certain time frame and then they are critiqued.  I would assume that the playing field of artists is narrowed each week by an artist being let go after each challenge, but again I don’t know the full scoop.

Why in the world would I subject myself to the scrutiny such a show involves?

1.  I love the idea of the life and work of an artist being shared with the public as a form of art appreciation for regular people. If my ego has to suffer a little so that more people have an appreciation for the handmade, then so be it.

2.  I am tired of people thinking that just because I work from home and make art, that I am lazy and have it easy.  I work 10-12 hours a day and I have to work through struggles daily just as anyone does. I want the world to see what it is I do.

3.  I also think that it is an amazing opportunity for any artist to grow both as a person and as a creative mind. Creative Challenges are necessary for growth, and I am craving some creative challenges lately instead of the normal everyday financial challenges.

4.  If I were to make the show, it could mean an amazing leap for my career, and who doesn’t want that?

What do you have to do to interview?

IN addition to providing a resume, the artist must fill out a 23 page application that asks a wide range of questions, including information about your artistic career as well as your personal life. Also the artist must provide a digital portfolio as well as a hardcopy portfolio for review during the casting call.  I have been working on these items for 2 weeks now, and I have surprised myself with the breadth of my work and have found the introspection necessary for filling out the application both challenging and enlightening.  It is exciting that this is already a growing experience for me, and I haven’t even left my studio yet!

When do you go?

I leave for the Miami casting call Monday, July 13th, and I will return from the casting call on the 14th probably pretty late. The drive is 9 hours for me, and I have no idea if I will be going alone or not, and I really don’t care – as long as I am there.  How fun! An adventure… Wish me luck!

For More Information on the Bravo Show and the Casting Call, please go to the Bravo site.

Heirloom Jewel Series Makes the LCS News

Last modified on 2009-06-17 14:50:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

LCS, the Illustration News Portal, publishes a short article about The Heirloom Jewel Series. Check it out!

Win a 20×30 Metallic Print worth $283.75

Last modified on 2009-06-06 00:10:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

How do I enter?

There are four methods to earn an entry into the drawing. Drawing Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm on June 3oth.

1. To get 1 entry

Leave a comment on any Blog on this site; Please venture away from this page to do so. (limit 1; not in combination with #2)

2. To get 2 entries

Link to my Blog from your website and comment on my site. Make sure you let me know you have linked to me (limit 1; not in combination with #1)

3. To get 3 entries

You have to already own a piece of art by Rachel for this one! Write a testimonial telling me how my artwork has influenced or enriched your life. (limit 1)

4. To get 5 entries

Book a Commission or Buy an original or print. (no limit)

More Information

1. The maximum number of entries allowed per person is 10. You may use any combination of the entry methods above, but you may not combine entry methods #1 and #2.
2. Comments made on this particular post will not count as entries.
3. If you link to my site from your site, you MUST email me or contact me to let me know so that I can add your additional entry.
4. The drawing will be held Wednesday, July 1st under the supervision of 2 witnesses.
5. The prize will be shipped to the winner free of charge.
6. The Prize winner will be announced the afternoon of July 1st.

Note: The print is NOT framed.

Art in the Park – Americus, Georgia

Last modified on 2009-05-12 17:44:50 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Art in Reese Park is a long standing tradition of honoring artists and their work in the quaint, historical town of Americus, Georgia.  Reese Park is a historical park located very close to the downtown area of Americus and is the home to two Confederate Soldier Memorials and many of my own fond personal memories. Americus is my hometown, and I grew up in a house on a block from Reese Park.  I remember going to the annual Art in the Park, even being displayed myself in some of the student art areas. This year I was invited to attend the Art Festival as a working artist, and it was a wonderful experience.

I volunteered to share my booth with a local doctor that is also a painter, but he ended up not showing up, so my booth looks a little bare.  The entire park was covered in booths by 20 very talented artisans. We set up chairs outside of our booth to offer friends and family a place to congregate during the festival – many people came and offered their support, and my sales were very impressive considering I had very few originals.  I was also approached to do several commission works, and some of my work can now be found at Cafe Campesino, a VERY AWESOME free-trade coffee roasting and brewing company based in Americus with the most welcoming and knowledgeable staff.

I was featured in a photo in the middle of the Americus Times-Recorder front page, but unfortunately no one could give me a copy and their site leave much to be desired. If anyone has a copy of that article, I will bestow upon you a free print for sending it to me! And Reese Park, I will be back again next year!

The Skinnie Magazine – April Edition

Last modified on 2009-04-06 16:04:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The April Edition of The Skinnie is on the stands, and it features seven full page illustrations by yours truly.  The articles illustrated highlight the different personality types found at The Landings in Savannah, but never fear because these personality types are fairly universal.

You must read the accompanying articles!

Sarah Meurer and Charles Hendrix over at The Skinnie were wonderful to work with, and I am certain they would be willing to send you a copy of the magazine, if you were to request one for around $3 plus postage.  Send them a shout out or at least let them know how much you enjoy the illustrations!

A Switch in Our Outlook

Last modified on 2009-02-02 20:37:27 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Here at Cotton Studios, we have decided to make a concerted effort to use our site as a way to help and inspire other artists.

Starting today, follow us on Twitter!  WE will offer creative ideas each day.  Our intention is that these ideas will inspire artists to approach their sketchbooks without the dread of “what will I draw today?”

We will also offer tips and tricks for Artists to become successful online and in the gallery scene.  We are still ironing out the wrinkles in our plans to improve Cotton Studios site as a resource for artists.  If you have any suggestions or ideas, feel free to send your ideas to Rachel, or leave a message below.

Designers Wishlist at HOW.com

Last modified on 2008-12-15 16:30:18 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

I am a HUGE HOW Magazine fan.  HOW Magazine is THE magazine for designers, both freelance and inhouse, offering current news and ideas for design professionals.  I get every issue, and read it cover to cover.  I absorb all of it – the design trends, the new fonts, the stories of other designers and illustrators.

How exciting for me to find myself on the HOW website!!  The question was simple – what do you want for Christmas?  Check it out here.

Forgo Wall Street for Art Investments

Last modified on 2008-10-01 16:08:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Word has it that the art buyers are in a better position right now than sellers.  With the mess on Wall Street, everyone is holding tight on their money.  It is theorized that the art bubble will soon bust as did the housing market.  While it may be disappointing to many, this is good news to you and me!

Now is the time to purchase original fine art by RM Cotton.  Prices are lower than most emerging artists this year, but next year my prices are guaranteed to rise 50-100%.  This rise is cost will be attributed to an increase in production and sales and the offering of limited prints.  My personal goal is to find a gallery with which to show within the next year as well.  This will step up my artist value as well.

IN time for Christmas, commission an original painting for yourself or a loved one.  I have space and time for only 3 more commissions, so act fast!!  Contact me with dimensions, subject matter, and delivery date to get an estimate.

More information on art investing:

New York Market

Askmen.com – How to Invest In Art

Biddington’s Rules for Long Term Investing

6th Annual Smart Women Expo & Luncheon & Silent Auction

Last modified on 2008-09-22 15:37:02 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Mary Telfair’s Women’s Hospital is hosting the Smart Women Expo and Luncheon on September 24th at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.  RM Cotton has donated several Giclee prints to be auctioned at the event to support the women’s hospital.

For more information, please visit the link below:

6th Annual Smart Women Expo & Luncheon – The Creative Coast Alliance (Savannah, GA).