Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Lechocki.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
“Creativity takes courage,” from Matisee has always been my motto when engaging in the world of art and taking on the lifestyle of a living, practicing, working artist. It’s not easy to come from a working class Chicago family and decide you want to study art, go to art school, yet have no money and do it anyway because of (creative) courage! In high school I had the chance to study painting and mixed media collage at the University Of Illinois, being in that messy, vibrantly stimulating atmosphere was like an artistic awakening in my soul and I knew this was an environment I needed to be in. After taking a variety of art classes at College of DuPage, I transferred to Columbia College Chicago to study fine art and art history. At that time I began experimenting with as many different forms of art and conceptualizing as I could and transferred that into directing an arts camp, teaching children’s art classes and my school work. Working and school were most important as one couldn’t exist without the other for me and even still today. I worked multiple jobs while in college to pay for what I could and provide myself with art supplies and a diet of coffee, hummus and fruit.
Since graduating in 2008, I have been teaching art classes and managing art departments at schools in and around the Chicagoland area. Most recently, teaching visual art to grades 9-12 at Cruz – an Acero High School in Rogers Park.
After college, I went back to school to earn my 200 hour yoga teacher certificate and enrolled in a full time intensive program, while working. I have since combined the 2 disciplines to construct an organic blend of what I call, YogaArt. YogaArtwhich incorporates yoga philosophy and breathing techniques to daily teaching practices and student interactions to make for a more balanced, kind and peaceful learning environment. It provides inner city students with alternative methods to coping with stresses, lack of expressive outlets and creative blocks.
Personally, as an artist, I am also running a gallery out of the Zhou B Art Center, called, [blnk]haus (blnkhaus.com). I am one of two founders and part of a team of 6 killer artists of unique backgrounds/styles. Our mission is to provide monthly exhibition opportunities to any type of artist, from first timers to well-seasoned pros. We also host guided mediations and sound healing events, classes, parties, freelance curation/consultation and are working on running programs weaving in innovative therapies and niche art events.
You can also peep my artwork hanging all over the city in such places as; ipsento, Homiey, Bite Cafe and a permanent outdoor mural at Uncle Art in Humboldt Park, to name some.
Please tell us about your art.
I am utterly entranced by the idea of the feminine, goddesses, earthly elements, the courageousness of abstraction and how people interpret and digest these things when viewing (unrepresentational) art. Using these concepts as a driving force to create original art, also rooted in raw emotions, usually prompts the birth of new works. Being a sensory person, I love to play with texture, varieties of paints and mixed mediums.
Lately, I have been focusing on creating a large series of contour and one line drawings of students and women I have seen that inspire me or some characteristic about their aura or style that stands out. The idea is that by eliminating all the value, detail and realism in face, the woman is stripped down to the essence of her and what makes her at the core, whether it be through her wavy, big hair or her accessories. Women are too often identified solely on looks and their bodies, this series draws attention to the eyes and feeling of the woman and her magical being rather than the sexiness of her legs.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Practice, Practice. Practice. You can never draw or paint too much!
Set an intention with you art, what is your mission, your overall message and stay true to that, live it, be it.
Organize and portfolio your work!
Be your won advocate! This is one I preach to students all the time. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing or can’t articulate it well, why would anyone else?
Flow…. trust the flow… and listen to the ebs.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can view my most recent work daily on Instagram @raylahockey, on our gallery’s Instagram @_blnkhaus and email me at raylechocki@gmail.com
I am currently going to be re-open for commissions this summer and available to teach yoga.
Blnk Haus exhibits my work permanently and you can email me to come by anytime!
I would appreciate very much if anyone who sees or engages with my artwork around Chicago can please; take a photo, tag me and win an art pin!
Contact Info:
- Address: Blnk Haus- studio 008-lower level
(in theZhou B Art Center)
1029 W. 35th St
Chicago - Website: blnkhaus.com
- Email: raylechocki@gmail.com
- Instagram: raylahockey
- Facebook: RayLaHockey YogaArt & Education
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
