Rachael Padilla

Weeds

I suppose that this could be seen in one of two ways:

Either as turning the mundane into video art, or a behind the scenes look at yard work. However it may be interpreted, the intention is to highlight the art of living. I have always found the work of weeding very calming, even meditative. It requires a level of concentration and connection with the earth. It's grounding, and when it's done, I can see my progress. Even if I have to repeat in a few shorth days.

Portrait Mode

A collection of some of the best self portraits I took today.

It’s incredible how easy modern technology makes taking self-portraits. Years ago there were no built in timers, and certainly no monitors in which one could make sure you were in frame. I love how accessible the process has become. I couldn’t have imagined as a kid how easy and affordable photography is now.

As a college art student, i didn’t take photography because I thought the film, paper, and chemicals would be too expensive. While I love all things analog, the digital era is nothing short of mind blowing!

If you’d told me then about the internet or platforms like this one, my brain would have shorted out! It’s a really incredible time to be an artist. I can share my art with the world, and find people that are genuinely interested in my work. Thank you so much for being here!

In Between

In between tasks, a bit of self care. Sunshine makes me happy!

It's all in the edit.

What a difference a soundtrack and "slow mo" can make! It's all in the editing. Don't believe me? Just watch.

Tuesday Update

All the things happening and to come. From art to tiki drinks!

The Mundane

The everyday chores of life can get mundane. But I'm an artist that seeks to elevate life with creativity whenever I can. When I saw that the refrigerator DESPERATELY needed to be cleaned out, I thought:

How can I make this interesting?

First, I thought a few potentially interesting points of perspective, sprinkled in a little montage, and then added just a pinch of musical cues. I think it's a recipe for success.

Submitting Art

Today I submitted work for and upcoming show. It's always a little bit nerve wracking, because there are a lot of factors to consider, and others that are completely beyond my control. I took into consideration what work might fit well within the parameters of the show. But ultimately, since art is subjective and everyone has there own tastes it's hard to know what a juror or curator might like. I'll see what happens!

In order they are:

First Lick of Summer

Space Force?

MetroCard

Yipe!

Mary's Lament

Instant photo self portraits

Midday in full sun, along the edges of the yard and in the shadow of the deep, thick woods that surround it. I find the play of light and dark in those spaces. Lovely. They’re perfect for photo shoots. It did take some time to find the right angle with the tripod and instant camera that has a self timer on it. The first two photos are an attempt at finding that angle and distance. The final pose is what I was striving for. I once saw a set of black and white photographs from the 1920s and one of the poses was similar to this. It inspired me so I thought I’d give it a try to see if I could emulate it.

Love Gun Redux

While out filming today, I was reminded of this video. This is a previous post, but it's worth reposting.

There are definitely times when I take myself too seriously, this is not one of them. I think it's important for me to allow myself to be foolish. It's like dancing like no one's looking, except that I recorded it specifically for others to look at. Hopefully it brings you some joy, and maybe even inspires you to spin in circles in your backyard with the confidence of someone in an 80s music video.

Behind the scenes

A behind the scenes look at today's progress on my painting. I have a tendency to get lost in a painting as I work, and the nature of the brush strokes was very meditative with large strokes of paint and full body motions.

On the easel

Today I worked on the companion pieces. In yellow with blue is the schematic for an FM transmitter. The blue canvas will feature the schematic of the corresponding receiver in yellow.

Today's Gesture Drawing

I didn't get out for a walk today, but I did do a gesture drawing! I haven't been doing these daily, but I think it's an important skill to maintain.

Selfie in three parts

Part one, a drawing. Part two, an instant photo. Part three, a haiku:

Breathe in and push up

Try not to fall on my face

Repeat till failure.

Ah yes, push-ups. It is my desire and my wish to be better at them. I suppose like most things wishing doesn’t get it done, though. It takes work, practice, and consistency. So I’ll keep trying.

Tuesday Update

Happy Taco Tuesday! Here's what's up with me, including the problem with Twitter.

Throwing Practice

Finally! The perfect opportunity to practice knife throwing.

Throwback.

This is "Wrapped", a performance piece from a couple of years ago.

I really like this one, so it's perfect for a throwback. It's a brief statement on restriction and freedom.

Catching Some Rays

A little sunshine to uplift and motivate!

Heart Transplant

With everything I create, I put heart into it.

Here, a performative piece as I add an additional element to "Transmitter (A Self-Portrait)".

Creative Overload

While working on filming today, I had a bit of creative overload. Following the mood of the day's work, and right on queue: I accidentally filmed this video out of focus.

Oh, well....

Sneak Peek

A sneak peek at an additional component for "Transmitter (A Self-Portrait)". I've been working on this multi-media sculpture that is also a radio transmitter for awhile. While most of the components are visible, there are a few that are not. Including a representation of my heart.

Tuesday Update

Everything that's going on with me this week and to come!

Behind the Scenes

A behind the scenes look at today's progress on the current painting set to music.

On the Easel

Today's progress on the radio transmitter schematic painting. I got all of the letters and numbers down, and began building up the lines between with varieties of blues. I think that the varietion of colors helps to give it an energetic look. As if the energy is being transferred through the electronic components themselves.

Approached by a Stranger!

I headed out into the backyard to practice with the throwing knives. It's been awhile, so I wasn't sure how it would work out. I'd just thrown the knives for the first time. Then, this happened....

Clean Up

Washing off the Georgia clay after a day of garden work.

Mixing Colors

You’re probably wondering, wait why is this called mixing colors? I don’t see any paint.

Well, there isn’t. However, these are my pepper plants that I finally got into the ground today. One variety is a purple jalapeño, the other variety is a ghost pepper. My plan is to cross pollinate them.

Tasty peppers are amongst my favorite things to eat. I love a spicy jalapeño, and have grown them successfully for many years. It has been a long time intention for me to cross pollinate peppers to create my own varietal. If I can cross pollinate successfully!

I don’t know what the peppers will look like , but wouldn’t it be fantastic if they came out lavender? What with the purple jalapeños having their purple hue and the ghost peppers having their white hue.

At any rate, it was a perfect day for gardening. The plants had gotten a bit leggy in their little pots and the sky was overcast from intermittent rains. It was muddy, but the plants seem happy.

With Kukui Nut Oil

In preparation of a rainy weekend, I took advantage of the sunshine.

That's Better

A little bit about my day today.

On the Easel

I’m making progress with blue brush strokes as I add the details to the schematic painting.

Wednesday Walk

The first day of May has such a good vibe. I think the music selection for this walk really captures the mood. It's been partly cloudy all week, so the sky seems extra blue today!