Almost There!

Can you share as much as possible about the piece and how you conceived of it:
I am the eternal optimist. Always looking at the bright side of things (however, that oil spill and 9-11 made that approach very difficult). Generally, it astounds me how negative people can be. I am always the person saying, “It’s going to be okay, you’ll see” and things along those lines. I came across a photograph on Google of a bunch of blue ping-pong balls and they all had the same, exact computer-generated sad face on them. I thought it was funny. That sparked the idea—no matter how many people are looking at the cup half empty, there is always the one little guy who is smiling saying, “But, wait, if you look at it this way it’s not so bad”.

Would you share three unique things in your workspace that inspire you?
My son (laying on the floor of my studio since he is regularly neglected due to my art), a book about black-and-white drawings, a picture of my Dad when he was younger with a painting behind him, and one of my Dad’s originals.

What’s the best compliment/most extreme reaction you’ve ever received in response to your work?
A coworker of mine who is a lovely, sophisticated and talented woman in her 50s said, “Rachel, I’m worried about you” when she saw my drawing now titled “Hell Ball”. It’s essentially a large ball of zombie flesh (much like a pizza) with eye balls stuck in it. It’s a great drawing, she need not be afraid. I brought it to work so she could help me give it a title since she is a senior writer at my company. She had already seen some other work of mine on my blog, but this one really freaked her out. Some people fail to see the humor all that gore you see in lowbrow art.

What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Anything from the 80s, 80s alternative, also Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Beck, Peter Gabriel, Steve Winwood, White Stripes, Notorious. I am all over the place.

If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Moby just might fit the bill.

What do you have as your desktop wallpaper?
A desktop pattern of paper clips and hair pins designed by Kate Spade. She is a genius at designing very fine girly-girl things like crystal drinking glasses, sheets, and purses.

What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Sugar and more sugar. Oh, and then some more sugar.

What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
Snoopy.

If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be and why?
The flying kind so I could avoid all those bloody fights depicted in the books and movies.

What was your last memorable dream?
My friend was in trouble in her neighborhood and I running over there to try and help her (in real life she suspects her neighbor is repeatedly vandalizing her car and she has a nanny cam set up and she does not live too far from me). I think I am worried about her.

If you had to change careers, what would be next?
Photographer

What’s your motto?
Without regret you have not lived.