Sunday Sharies - March 30 - Rachael Champa

Back with my first blog edition of Sunday Sharies! 

Sunday Sharies started as a fun IG content idea to share something uplifting on a day where you might otherwise be experiencing "the Scaries" ahead of the return to the work week. 

It was always my hope that it might evolve into a way to share and promote talented up and coming artists with the people in my network. 

Today I am excited to share:

Rachel Champa, the artist behind Sea and Linen Art 

(self proclaimed "Nap-Time" Painter & Mother of three boys)

Rachel and I connected on instagram where we'd go back and forth about fashion and motherhood. Her page exudes calm and poise - two characteristics that I very much have to intentionally call into my life, she seems to embody authentically with ease. Much like the linen she paints on - her landscapes feel relaxed, comfortable and breezy.

One day she inquired about my small woven earrings and I had a spark for an exchange. I had been coveting her work for a while and took a chance that she might see value in a barter - I offered to send her a pair of hoops in return for one of her beautiful small paintings. Luckily the feelings were mutual and a week later, I received this beautiful package in the mail.

I was taken away by the thoughtful way in which she packaged her work for shipping. You know when you get that kind of wedding invitation? The weight of it, the custom touches, the calligraphy - everything about it tells you, "This is going to be something special. This is something we really care about." Art is an experience. And this one was off to a good start.

I opened the card with Millie as we sat on the front porch and my eyes swelled with tears as I read out loud her (perfect script) note. In our 3D worlds, we hardly know each other, and yet via @PRP on instagram we had connected so beautifully based on our passion for our crafts, love for nature, and desire to create small businesses for ourselves alongside our main roles as Moms. I felt seen by her, and was proud as I held my little girl that I might inspire her someday as well.

"one of my favorite parts of painting during nap time.... 

Is watching my children be so excited to see what I painted"

- @seaandlinenart

Rachel's use of bold deep hues and thick application of paint anchors the movement generated by the quick brushstrokes of the waves in her seascapes. Beyond the horizon the muted values and soft expression of the sky relaxes the viewer into an atmosphere of serenity. Much like the feeling you might get on the beach with your feet firmly anchored the sand, breeze in your hair, hearing the crashing of the waves as the ocean meets land in front of you. 

She offers original paintings, prints as well as digital files for the Frame TV. I selected one of her seascapes as my spring setting on my tv to bring the feelings of flow and ease from nature indoors. It is the perfect antidote to mud season. Perhaps it will relax my children into taking the kinds of naps her boys do!

For our exchange, I selected one of her small floral paintings. I love the cropped composition - each bloom is a world of its own, but flows to the next through the swirling color palette of blues and greens. The white dabs of paint bring an unexpected lightness and joy as your eye connects the forms. Like little giggles to each other or exclamation points. We need laughter and exclamation points on Sundays. I can't wait to have this piece mounted and set in a beautiful thick gold frame.

I'm grateful to have met such a thoughtful talented friend by way of my business. It doesn't surprise me anymore, but it never ceases to amaze me!

I hope you'll check out her instagram, website and consider her artwork when you are ready to add to your collection. 

I also really hope she likes her earrings (lol).

Happy Sunday!

Katie