Rachel Maritz

In Nelson New Zealand born and raised, on the beach is where I spent most of my days………. Don’t panic I’m not going to do the whole song.   Having an idyllic (read spoilt) upbringing on the South Island of NZ next to some of the worlds most amazing natural parks, beaches, mountains and people, becoming an artist almost seemed predetermined.  I started out drawing the strange five legged creatures that dwelled in the mountains and seas before moving on to the mountains and rocks themselves.  After studying art at Polytech I moved into graphic design as my creative outlet.  I have been painting in the background my whole life through, playing with different styles and mediums (some abject failures were born in these tumultuous times of which we will speak of no more). Over the last ten years though I have finally settled in my happy place of Abstract. It suits me; I think it’s starting to define me.  I predominately favour acrylics with some pastels, collage and lets be honest here, whatever I have to hand that will lend itself to the all important texture! Almost every painting still starts out as a mountain (I just can’t help myself) and over many many many layers it morphs into something, undefinable to some, but hopefully beautiful to many.   I now live with my equally creative husband (just think, super messy house) and my two totally uncreative but abundantly neurotic dogs on the outskirts of London next to the lovely Farthing Downs (I couldn’t stay away from the green) where I have been painting full time for the past three years.  I get my daily nature and inspiration hits from walks on the Downs with these crackerjacks. It’s a good life!