Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Penny.
Rachelle, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was raised in Spicewood, a town just outside of Austin Texas. I went to school originally to be a Dental Assistant which brought on more stress then I had anticipated which lead me to my first yoga class. Yoga became more than just something that took the stress away, it became a lifestyle of healing and learning about myself. I started finding other creative outlets such as painting which then brought me to Tie dying. I’ve always had a love for tie dye in all forms and have had a tie dye in my closet since I can remember. Little did I know that it would become my passion. I love sharing this passion with others and making the world a little more colorful. I never thought I would be able to quit my career to sell art full time but this year that became possible. As long as you believe in yourself and listen to your heart, anything is possible.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I began tie dying for fun over two years ago and learned about an ice dying method through the internet. I then started adding my own twists and ties into this dying method. I started folding each piece symmetrically making it a mirrored image when looking at it, a reflection. A few friends began to tell me it reminded them of Rorschach. I love that because I feel tie dye has been a big part of my healing process and I want people to look at my tie dyes and reflect on what makes them happy. I then started a tie dye business and named it Reflective Dye. I started doing live demonstrations at an art gallery name Cherry cola dog where it became more than just making clothes it was the art in the making. I truly love sharing that part with everyone because it’s such an interesting process. Now anytime I vend anywhere I’m also doing a live demonstration. I’m blessed to be in such an inspiring community that encourages art of all forms.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I believe Success is finding something you love and being able to live every day to do that. To succeed you have to believe in yourself and know that you’re capable of learning anything you want to. Be willing to collaborate. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You decide what your success is and no one else.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Art For the People Gallery, a lovely gallery on South 1st carries some of my work. A dear friend of mine owns a cute boutique on South congress and she carries some of my work in store and online. https://ramblinroseco.com. You can follow me on Instagram- www.instagram.com/reflective_dye https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReflectiveDyeCo. I also vend at all kinds of events and festivals in Austin and surrounding areas as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReflectiveDyeCo
- Email: reflectivedye@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflective_dye/
Image Credit:
Matthew Trujillo, Elaine Alonzo
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