Rachel Hammerman puts strategy and care into her monochromatic 2-dimensional work. Through a visual labyrinth of lines and curves are suggestions of objects and shapes – each piece is so interesting to behold and the intentional use of one color-tone gives every ink line equality. One might consider her pieces to be types of Rorschach inkblot tests or perhaps a blueprint of her individual or collective thoughts, which is the beauty of her art. Rachel says:
“In traditional perspective drawing there are ‘good lines’ – those that convince the viewer, and ‘bad lines’ – those that fall flat. The merit of a line is determined by its relationship to other lines, and ultimately to an illusive dot someplace along the horizon line of the page. My drawings map my pen’s search for that omnipotent spot.”
ArtVenue knew there was sound reason behind the masterful chaos, and we just needed to get to know the artist behind these wonderful and thoughtful pieces.
"Civilian harbors the word villain, almost"
Home is where the heart is-where is home for you?
I guess it’s in my chest cavity.
How and when did you discover yourself to be an artist?
Once I began selling my work I took on the title “Ahtist.” Like many words, it just sounds better in a Massachusetts accent. But in all seriousness, if someone needed surgery, they wouldn’t just go to a guy who “makes incisions” or to some lady who “plays doctor,” they would go to a licensed surgeon. (My artistic license is in the glove compartment officer.
“I copied pictures until I learned to draw.”
What are a few things on your artistic bucket list?
Perfection. Satisfaction. Fulfillment. (This is a bucket list after all isn’t it?)
"Sitting on a park bench"
I spent the most significant chunk of my life living like a pinball in and around New York’s chaotic grid. The organized mess left an indelible imprint on my aesthetic sense. I also spent a pivotal year in London dedicated solely to the practice of drawing and painting (between trips to Tescos and the pub for chocolate bars and 99 pence night-a girl has got to nourish herself after all). And now, I’m in Boston, where it is cold. But getting back to the answer, and back to our initial exchange, I think that art is where the heart is (that’s why the words rhyme). For me “the most eye opening and influential artistic moments” have been staged inside the corridors of my chest cavity. I suppose that sounds either really contrived or just plain old self-centered. But to be fair, influence is based on impression which is based on experience and the memory of that experience. So in the end, “inspiration” (for lack of a better word) is absolutely internal.
”I went through a big Diet-Coke phase in my teenage years. It was a very dark and carbonated place.”Where did you learn the skills and gain the knowledge you, as an artist, possess today?
A lot of places. My mother studied art history, so I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by a vast collection of monographs. My professors were fundamental resources and role models. I copied pictures until I learned to draw.Where do you gather and/or seek your inspiration from?
Rembrandt, any day of the week. His brush strokes are laden with belief; his prints are saturated with a sentiment so tactile, that it’s strange to consider that I’ve neither met their subjects nor stepped into their scenes.I’m always up for some solid Old Master figure drawings. There is something palatably exciting and humbling about seeing scratches shape into muscles.
Music. I had a professor who claimed that listening to music while working poisoned the purity and simplicity of the craft. I agree; changes in beat and sound certainly impact mood, which as anyone can attest, controls everything. But I’ll be straight with you, I’m no candidate for yoga/meditation; I’ve always got multiple things on my mind, and I find that having a soundtrack helps hone my focus.
"Red Ant Hill #612: Strung Out"
Pick your own favorite piece on ArtVenue. What is it of, why is it your favorite and what does it mean to you?
The one I haven’t yet made. (I mean, I can’t rightly pick between my children can I?…Ok maybe I can, maybe it’s the first image in my portfolio…but don’t tell the others, I don’t want any in fighting.)Are there any projects you are working on right now that you can’t wait to finish and share?
Yes, there’s one. But it is top secret.“For me ‘the most eye opening and influential artistic moments’ have been staged inside the corridors of my chest cavity.”
What is your creative process, typically?
I’m afraid nothing tremendously unusual. I went through a big Diet-Coke phase in my teenage years. It was a very dark and carbonated place…I could easily slip back in there…too easily…"AK-47 Knitting Needles"
When you’re in a spell of artistic frenzy, what would a fly on the wall see/hear you doing/saying?
This situation is entirely inconceivable. The buzzing – it’s irritating – it’s impossible to ignore. I’d probably have to switch rooms. Then again I’d resent having to relocate because of some freeloading pest. Maybe I’d kill it. Of course I’ve got something like a 0/612 win/loss record with a fly swatter. Seriously, who invented that flimsy piece of weaponry? Someone outta draw up some new specs and send them over to Lockheed Martin or Raytheon or someplace equipped to overhaul the design. Heck maybe I’d do it if that squatter didn’t skedaddle. (Skedaddle, now that’s a fun word.)“I find that having a [music] soundtrack helps hone my focus.”
What is some advice you could give to budding artists, hopeful to make a name for themselves or looking to build a portfolio?
Don’t think of portfolio building as Portfolio Building. Don’t throw anything away. Work as you would normally work, and the portfolio will build itself. (Portfolios aren’t ball parks hidden in corn fields in Iowa; of course it would be fun to have Ray Liotta inform/narrate your selection process"Thickened Smells of Squandered Rain"
View Rachel Hammerman’s complete ArtVenue profile!
ArtVenue would like to thank Rachel for giving us some of her time and insight. We are excited to have her on ArtVenue – welcome to the family!
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