My name is Rachelle Crandall. I am Athabascan, born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. I graduated from Minto High School in Minto, Alaska. I first discovered my interest in art in my freshman year of high school when I was introduced to charcoal sketching. From then on, seeking to express myself through art has been a part of my life.
In 2010 I became a stay-at-home mom. From that point on I was able to focus more time on acrylic paint and canvas.
When I started painting I was really inspired by the ballet. The beauty, strength and discipline that the dancer has, inspires me to work harder and strive to be as disciplined and focused on my work.
I wanted to learn and know more about the ballet than just what’s on stage so I pushed myself to reach out to photographers who work with dancers in NY.
In my endeavors to familiarize myself with ballet dancing, I unintentionally became a better painter. I learned skills and techniques I now use in all of my paintings and sketches.
While painting the ballet I began getting requests for commissioned portraits from all over the world.
Typically I paint black and white portraits. But in past few years I have begun to find inspiration in the colors of the outdoors. I am learning how to capture the beauty of the world right outside my door. I still feel the drive to paint the ballet but want to continue to find inspiration all around me.
While I find my best work is in my paintings, I have also started branching out to other mediums which include beadwork, photography, watercolor, custom tile and framework.
From a young age, my mother encouraged me to always try new things, be patient with myself and to not let obstacles keep me from reaching my dream, but to use them to become a better person. I know she can see me know from heaven and I hope I make her proud.