with Rachel T Robertson

When it was announced that Rachel T Robertson was having her very own gallery show at Rare Device, the staff thought "What took so long!?" Rachel has worn so many hats during her time here, and played such a vital role in how the Rare Device identity has been shaped and formed over the years. It only seemed like a matter of time that we would officially host her as a gallery artist. 

glimmer by Rachel T Robertson opens on February 28th. The show encompasses many of Rachel's talents; fiber artistry, collage making, sewing - what can't Rachel do? Perhaps her broad portfolio is the result of curiosity and pondering possibilities outside all limitations. 

We asked Rachel some questions when it comes to her process, getting glimmery, and future plans.

"What if I wrapped material around a 3-d object? What if I made an object you could hold in your hand? What if I just used up all these weird scraps as a parameter?"

Jenn Zipp: First off, what can you tell us about your show? 

Rachel T Robertson: “glimmer” is a collection of pieces that I begun in 2022 that centered around glowing sunlight, the changing light of the day and the shadows created. I focused on mixed media collage and assemblage using many materials that were left over from previous client projects and personal projects. Starting small felt easier at the time and I focused on making pieces that were small and often square in format. I liked experimenting with dimension and having the work rise off the 2-d page. I was creating pockets, small holes, hidden secret color pops and angled shadows in the work. Mostly it started with colors of sunlight (golden & sun faded) and material experimentation: what if I wrapped material around a 3-d object? What if I made an object you could hold in your hand? What if I just used up all these weird scraps as a parameter?

Glimmer comes from the nature of light, shining and reflecting, but I like the reference that I learned about from Jason of Toronto Ink Company who wrote: a glimmer is “Coined by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in complex trauma, it’s like a trigger but the opposite. The micro-noticings or events that can reset your body and mind with joy rather than anxiety.” My hope is that viewers get a few glimmers when seeing my work.

In the past in my professional work, what I made was usually very large but in my personal work I struggled to scale up, whether due to time, space limitations or fear of being seen. Now I am experimenting... and it’s been incredible.

JZ: Can you tell us your professional / art background?

RTR: I worked most of my career in Retail Visuals, display and merchandising. I created displays for Urban Outfitters, where I was Display Director for 7 years. Then I spent time at Anthropologie crafting more displays. Most recently I worked for Rare Device, spending years managing, buying, merchandising and designing window displays. I designed fixtures and the build out for the short-lived Plant House which was such a joy. In addition to my art practice, I am also a florist and adore working with flowers and plants.

JZ: Can you walk us through your process, from concept to design?

RTR: Usually I start by playing with materials in my studio. I might have a color story in mind, be inspired by something I saw in nature or a photo I took. I will sometimes gather image inspiration while I play around with the materials, depending on the project. I like to work in series, exploring a theme and will often have a couple of series in process simultaneously. I am a process person so I love the act of making. Pieces are built up over time, creating layers of color, detail and texture. I also work slowly and often put things aside for months or years to return to later. 

JZ: How has your art practice changed and evolved through the years?

RTR: In the past in my professional work, what I made was usually very large but in my personal work I struggled to scale up, whether due to time, space limitations or fear of being seen. Now I am experimenting with larger works on paper and site installations and I have more space in my home studio to work and it’s been incredible. I have also been experimenting a little bit with clay, adding elements to my fiber jewelry and collages.

JZ: It seems like you take a lot of nature walks and have been living by the beach! How has nature/environment influenced your artwork?

RTR: Yes! I love being in nature and working outside. I feel so grounded when I am close to parks and the ocean here in the city. It doesn’t always have a direct effect on my work but indirectly it might pop up in a color palette or a piece reminiscent of a landscape. Mostly I just find it centering to spend time outside, observing nature up close. That centering helps me to focus on my artwork.

JZ: You have ventured into so many mediums. Is there an art form that you’d want to explore more of?

RTR: I would love to design and paint a mural and would like to work on some large scale fiber works, perhaps incorporating ceramic elements.

JZ: What does 2025 hold for you? Anything you want to plug?

RTR: I’m excited to teach a garland making workshop here at Rare Device in mid-March and to get back to a series of larger abstract paper collages using watercolor and ink. I’m also looking forward to continuing to create window displays for Rare Device and would love to take on more clients for that type of work

glimmer by Rachel T Robertson is in the Rare Device gallery and online February 28 - April 13, 2025. Follow Rachel on Instagram at @racheltrobertson. If you would like your shop window to look as amazing as ours when Rachel does them, contact her at her website, racheltrobertson.com