Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Linnemann.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a found objects artist from Bethel, Ohio, a small town southeast of Cincinnati. My family has a farm that dates to the Revolutionary War in Bethel. So, a lot of my practice revolves around the legacy of hardship and knowledge associated with rural Appalachia and labor, as well as the pride and joy that can coexist simultaneously. My sculptures use objects that are associated with labor, both physical labor (think hammers, tools, etc.) and emotional labor (aprons, traditionally feminine items). I highlight these forms in a celebratory way to recognize both the labor and laborer. This reuse of materials is something that came naturally to me because I often saw objects and materials being reused in unconventional ways on the family farm. Objects were regularly given a new life to repair something broken or to make something new. The easiest example of this would be how I saw my grandpa transform an old wagon wheel into a new section of fence to extend the path for the cattle on the family farm.
I didn’t realize you could have a career in the arts until college. I originally was majoring in Special Education at NKU with a minor in Art. Once I started taking art classes, I knew that I needed to change my major. It was a scary decision for me because I didn’t feel like I had any guidance in this field. However, it became apparent that the legacy of labor aided in my tactile abilities. In undergrad, I never felt like there were fine art role models coming out of Appalachia, so I avoided associating my work with being rural. I know now it’s what makes my voice as an artist and my sculptures unique. As a Sculpture Professor, I use this knowledge and practice of sustainability that has been ingrained in me from socioeconomic hardship as a guiding force in my classroom.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a very bumpy road, but to an outsider, it may appear seamless. However, I’ve very much been figuring things out along the way, and I’ve tried to not let the word “no” slow me down. When I decided to pursue art, I made a promise with myself that I would take any opportunity to learn. This led to me working with the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Samek Art Museum, and eventually, an extensive knowledge of Art Handling and Museum practices. In order to maintain a consistent career in the arts over the years, this has involved holding multiple part-time jobs in order to make room for opportunities like mural work or residencies. I think as an artist you need to be comfortable with adapting to change and rejection. Any of the success that I’ve had has been a combination of hard work, networking, applying for the opportunity scared, and trying to stay true to oneself in the process.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for my use of found objects. It really has set me apart in the sculpture scene and allowed me to start a dialogue with a variety of people by leaving my objects recognizable. I try to keep it simple by choosing an object of labor and adding a celebratory element. This leads me to my final sculpture, but in a very maximalist way that is reminiscent of the glittery Dolly Parton. I feel like Appalachia gets a bad rap for being poor and dirty, so I want my work to be over the top and joyful, so that is the first thing that you notice. I’m tired of Appalachia being overlooked, so I use things that people will recognize and highlight them in the most abundant way possible. I’ve had people joke with me that my work is “Middle Class Fancy,” which I really enjoy. I really do use Dolly Parton as a large source of inspiration; she is an example of coming from humble roots, being proud of your lineage, owning your power, and not being afraid to stand out.
I have a few things that I’m really proud of. I’m really humbled to be 1 of 5 artists chosen for the Revealed Early Career Artist Series. Artists from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and Ontario, Canada were all eligible for this award, so in a lot of ways, I’m overwhelmed that an artist from Appalachia was selected.
I feel like winning the Young Sculptors Competition at Miami University really pushed my artwork in a way that helped me to be considered for my upcoming show with The Sculpture Center. This previous award was juried by the artist Mark Dion and came with a hefty prize gifted by William and Dorothy Yeck. I’m still incredibly flattered that an artist of his caliber was intrigued by my work and believed in my voice. I think the Young Sculptors Award will always stand out as top achievement for me. It just changed the way that I view my own sculptures.
What are your plans for the future?
I am really looking forward to a community event I’m doing on Sunday, November 12th, with The Well in Camp Washington. I am asking the community to join me in creating a community sculpture and to join in a pie/recipe-sharing experience. The goal of the event is to share meals and recipes that are personally or culturally significant to the individual and to find community in the process. I use the theme of food in my sculptures as a symbolic placeholder for emotional labor and themes of food insecurity. I have found that sharing our differences brings us closer together, and food is a great vehicle for us to share both our personal stories and what brings us joy. The sculpture that will be created will be in a pie form, and the community members can help me build it if they wish. Or they can simply share a meal or recipe.
I also have a solo show that I’m working towards that will take place in April 2024 at The Sculpture Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This show is a result of being 1 of 5 artists chosen for the Revealed Early Career Artist Series with The Sculpture Center.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachellinnemannart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellinnemannart
