March 2025: Rachel Young - Mixed Media Beadwork

Rachel Young’s intricate beadwork transform thousands of tiny glass beads into stunning compositions of anatomy, botany, wildlife, and celestial beauty. Drawing on the ancient Huichol tradition of pressing beads into beeswax resin, Rachel meticulously applies each bead by hand, creating artwork that transcends the boundaries between painting and mosaic. Her contemporary approach merges tradition with innovation, resulting in vibrant, textured pieces that invite viewers to connect with themes of healing, resilience, and spirituality. Each bead is a deliberate choice, yet part of a larger, harmonious whole. Rachel’s artistic practice communicates how she sees the world through intricate patterns and rich symbolism. The final element of Rachel’s work is the presence of light and its interplay with the surface of her mosaics. The reflective qualities of the beads bring her pieces to life, allowing light to dance and shift across their surfaces. This interaction between light, artwork, and viewer transforms each piece into an ever-changing experience. Rachel creates work that moves viewers to find their own meaning, fostering a profound sense of connection and inspiration.