My art primarily explores the beauty of the unnoticed, particularly that of the natural world. While a spectacular scene or grand experience can certainly move me to create a piece of art, the overlooked things in life are the source of my inspiration. This could mean a physically small object or living thing, or it could be a passing moment in time.

Nature is often my focus. I am especially fascinated by invertebrates and plants: they typically escape our notice. Unless they are large or particularly colorful and showy, most people do not give them a second glance much less a second thought.

Perhaps my art can help people see what they would not normally think worthy of their attention. Recreating these beautiful things I see as paintings, drawings, or sculpture elevates them and makes them observable to people without a means (or will) to see them. I want my art to inspire people to look again, look more closely, and appreciate the under-appreciated.

My work as an artist and my work as an educator have a common ground: sharing the things that are important to me and helping others to understand them. When I teach, I use art, and when I make art, I educate.

-Rachel Rasfeld