Rachel Jane Lemme
Rachel Jane Lemme
Fiber Artist / Visual Designer / Maker
Eugene/Portland, OR
www.rachel-jane.com
instagram @ohracheljane
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Im a textile printer on unconventional fiber material, a visual designer, a film photographer, an analyzer of shape and color, and most importantly a collaborator and heavy coffee drinker. ”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I failed, failed again, and then failed again. I stepped out of my comfort zone in the studio throughout college and challenged myself to put myself out there, whether it was with a job or an experimental screen print that looked like garbage. You never realize how much your failed pieces push you to better places, and petter pieces.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
For myself, I find that I lack patience at times in the studio. I think as artists we want to figure out our next idea immediately; we don't want to fail. But it's important to let the control of your creativity go and just make a shit ton of work, (for lack of a better word). Fail, and fail again. Because failing is what makes good work and makes better artists and pushes you to make more.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Im currently working in the studio on personal work, while searching for future jobs in the visual field, museums, galleries, and more.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
The past few years i've been working with shapes, colors, and the process of making work first, and letting the meaning behind it come second. Letting go of control and focusing on the minimal aspects of the material and process. Bustin' out tons of prints and constantly looking at designers and focusing on my next big move.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could focus more on my film photography work, because it's something I started out with that pushed me (surprisingly?) into the wild world of fiber arts.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Well since i just graduated from University with my undergrad in art, I have had so many open opportunities and open doors to move anywhere, at anytime, and that somehow is giving me the best sort of frustration.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
REACH OUT TO ARTISTS, COLLABORATE! Never be afraid to put yourself out there, even if nobody likes what you do. Because it will make you a better, more confident artist and human. Drink less coffee, or maybe more coffee?
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
How do you take the time to breathe, and not feel the pressures of a career after undergrad? Because I'm currently trying to balance working in the studio and busting out work with "wow I really think I need to take advantage of this time and travel the world".
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How do you take the time to breathe, and not feel the pressures of a career after undergrad? Because I'm currently trying to balance working in the studio and busting out work with "wow I really think I need to take advantage of this time and travel the world".
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for any opportunity to use my hands in the visual world, as well as work with social media branding for companies and designers.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Ideally I would love to work hands on with visual displays, collaborating with fellow artists and makers, and going wherever the client/job takes me. I'm in a place in life where I want to take any opportunity to make, collaborate, and make some more.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I currently don’t have a set hourly rate, It seems to vary with each project/commission!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email and give me your best advice on taking care of plants because I tend to kill mine quickly, along with your proposed job/opportunity of course.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Always love the one you is.
This member profile was originally published in July 2017.