Rachelle is a Perth-based fine artist who graduated from UWA in 2012 and works from her studio at Goolugatup Heathcote Precinct. Her selected artwork “Highs and Lows” originated from a collaboration with Melbourne photographer Max, featuring singer-songwriter Millie as the model. The piece was created during Perth’s first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, exploring the tension between creating beauty while processing grief and disappointment.

The painting captures the complex emotions of the pandemic era through its composition – warm, nostalgic colours contrasting with sombre body language, visually representing the struggle between hope and sadness. Rachelle chose this piece for the cup project because its rectangular orientation complements the cup’s shape, encouraging viewers to interact with the artwork by turning it around.

As both an artist and art teacher, Rachelle has witnessed people returning to creativity post-COVID, recognizing art’s essential role in wellbeing. She advocates for business-artist collaborations and believes art sparks joy in everyday life while facilitating meaningful conversations between strangers.

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