Rachael Gartland’s current exhibition Pulling The Silk Thread is an incredible collection of gouache paintings on silk. Using the skills she developed through years of commercial practice in this distinct medium, the exhibition is a culmination of remarkable technique and the opportunity to redirect the narrative; placing emphasis on both the impermanence of life itself and the impact we as humans have on the environment, specifically the animal world.

The notion of 'Memento Mori’ is not necessarily intended to be morbid, rather, a reminder to be present and make the most of life. Rachael too uses the symbol of a skull as a sort of vanitas; a gentle suggestion to enjoy the everyday. The use of bright, contrasting colours in the silk and paint brings this work into a contemporary realm. The impeccably executed, mirrored animals invite contemplation and conversation as they float gently on the surface of the silk.  

We have curated Rachael’s exhibition to highlight the impressive scale of the key painting, Through The Eye Of A Needle which is over 2 metres in height whilst using colour to break up the repetition of form in the other works and find a nice balance in the hang.

"The foundation of silk is a leading protagonist to this artistic process. Having worked with silk for the past 15 years, I have great respect for its historical journey, from traditional silkworm cultivation and hand dying processes mastered over centuries, to the artists who make it accessible today. 

By stripping us back to our common skeletal structure, this body of work explores our relationship with mortality and the effect we have on our natural surroundings. The colours are celebratory, and the subject matter provokes response."

Rachael Gartland was born in Geelong to an intrepid family with a wanderlust for the world. On the road with her family at seven years of age, she lived and travelled across the United Kingdom, Morocco, Egypt, Spain, Portugal and Greece before settling in Santa Margarita, Italy. Cultural tapestries which would inspire curiosity, adventure and a burgeoning creativity.

Rachael completed a Fine Arts degree in Drawing, Art History Theory and Print making in 1997, before heading back to Europe. Art tenures at two London galleries were followed by an invitation to join Fromental, a new company creating handmade silk wallpapers. Working with a team of artists in London and China, Rachael gained experience with the precious materials and techniques of traditional Chinese painting which inspire Fromental's bird and flower wallpaper designs.

"In the London studio, I was immersed in the creative process working with top interior designers and exclusive clientele to produce unique artworks for prestigious projects around the world.

The events of 2020 saw our family relocating to Victoria’s Surf Coast. And, with an inspiring rural outlook from our family’s home, I am finally realising a dream of becoming a full-time artist and connecting with audiences."