The Wretched Nightmare

Rachel Clarke

Ceramic Sculpture, Wall Hanging on Wood board
11.5X16.5X2 in

[This work] explores extremes during our subconscious state whilst in REM sleep; our experience can be either one of blissful dreaming or torturous nightmares.

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I create work form an emotional, subconscious realm. I begin creating a piece without intention or design, I use a blindfold to eliminate any visual stimuli. This, together with being aphantasic (no internal visual imagery, 'mind's eye') enables the work to be incubated from darkness. My mission is to bring to the fore unprocessed feelings and emotions from my subconscious. This is for me a very freeing and creative form of expression that goes against my usual considered, logical self.

Rachel Clarke

I was born in Hampshire in England,. When I was 13 I had an injury which meant I was in hospital for about 2 years. I always felt this time missed from school left me feeling very academically backward. I started work at 15 as an office assistant and later became secretary. After the birth of my son Joshua I started working in the NHS which I continued until I was around 48. My working life has always been protocol driven. Being a very creative and emotional person I decided I needed to let this side of my self a chance to explore and left the NHS to pursue an art degree. the last few years have been an incredible journey both artistically and gaining self knowledge. Although I am 54 I feel having an outlet for my creativity is extremely liberating and feel that life is just starting. There is no age limit to starting new things and everyone has the ability to be creative. I currently live in Wales in the UK and have a small ceramic studio in my home in the South of Wales, UK.

Website: Rachel Clarke
Instagram: @racheldarkart