Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Rieke.
Hi Gail, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an artist living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My work involves many media… collage, assemblage, installation, writing, drawing, photography to name a few. I show my work in my home/studio/gallery and in invitational and museum shows. I have been a teacher all my adult life and have traveled to teach various workshops over the years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One challenge has been to maintain truth in my work while raising three children. Since my husband is also an artist, there have been difficult times. We have greatly appreciated the support over the years of the people who have collected the work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The home/studio/gallery is a unique environment that has developed over many years. The installation spaces are a collaborative project that my husband, painter Zachariah Rieke, and I have made together.
My work involves myriad explorations into various media, primarily collage and assemblage using found and made materials. The incorporation of antique papers and objects that have their own
stories and histories create resonant patinas and surfaces.
I am fascinated with translating life experience into visual forms:
Time Capture journals are varied projects that respond to events over a year or more in some specific repetitive form.
Travel journals are responses to adventures and contained within vintage suitcases or baskets. A journey can be described in depth through drawing, collage, collection, photography, writing, etc.
The work focuses on direct response to lived experience.
You can learn more at my website:
riekestudios.com
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books:
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
Everything is Illuminated by Jpnathan Safran Foer
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riekestudios.com
Image Credits
Gail Rieke
