Rachell then developed a love for drawing flowers and would make floral line drawings
An artist’s life is not an easy one. Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime but now his paintings of irises, sunflowers and cypress trees are some of the most recognizable images in the art world.
This is why parents often tell their artistically-inclined children to take up a business course at university, so they can have something to fall back on. As the dutiful daughter, Rachell Ann Morada followed her parents’ advice and enrolled in an accountancy course. She graduated and began to help support her family—but a creative life continued to beckon to her.
“I discovered my love for art when I was in kindergarten. I was fond of drawing girls and anime characters,” Rachell recalled. She experimented with other visual art forms like calligraphy, portraits and watercolors but always returned to drawing.
Rachell then developed a love for drawing flowers and would make floral line drawings. In 2021, she discovered acrylic paint and began using color to bring her flowers to life. “Now I can say I’m a painter who paints flowers for people’s homes.”
When she marked her 30th birthday earlier this year, Rachell knew that she wanted to focus on creating art even if not everyone could appreciate the art she made.
“I’m at a point in my life where I’m trying to live my life not on people’s expectations. Slowly, I’m having the courage to pursue things that I truly love—and that includes painting—while also trying to live a purposeful and meaningful life. I believe it’s God’s perfect time for me,” she said.
On her Instagram (rachelience_art), Rachell posts short clips of herself at work. With her back to the camera, she paints masses of flowers on large canvases. There are roses and daffodils, hydrangeas, daisies and spider mums. The arrangements are placed in an assortment of vessels: blue and white china, clear glass vases, milky blue jars.
For this self-avowed people pleaser, the act of painting is therapeutic and healing. She is able to slow down, be present in the moment and make her mind go quiet.
“I was a perfectionist but painting taught me that every stroke of the brush doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be free. It allows me to love the imperfections. It’s okay to make mistakes—sometimes they’re even the ones that enhance the painting.”
Her paintings have a naïf-like quality and might not be everyone’s cup of tea but Rachell has made peace with the fact that she won’t be able to please everybody.
In an IG post, she shared what her mother told her. “You don’t need hundreds of friends or many people showing you love. If at least one soul loves you, that is enough to appreciate.”
RLC’s Roseann Villegas saw the potential in Rachell and reached out to ask if she was interested to stage her first solo exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria.
Having a solo exhibit wasn’t in Rachell’s plans because she said that she only wanted to paint, share her art, and serve others through this gift she had been given. “When I read Ms. Roseann’s message, I felt like the universe conspired for me. I’m so grateful for the way they support new artists like me.”
With the help of ARTablado, Rachell’s paintings are now on view in her first solo exhibit, “Life in Bloom.” Aside from the obvious reference to her floral paintings, she said she chose this title because she believes her life is robust and alive. “I always see the blessings in my life, whatever season it is in. Like flowers, we all bloom differently.”
Asked what she would tell struggling artists, Rachell said that they should accept that their feelings are valid. “If there's hesitation because you fear the unknown or you fear failure, it is valid. It takes courage to be an artist. Sometimes you get the support you need but sometimes you don't. But I hope that you keep on finding the courage to create and make art and do what you truly want to do.”
“Life in Bloom” is on view at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria from May 16 to May 31.
