Rachel Favelle

Rachel Favelle is an Australian Pop Surreal artist and illustrator.   Graduating with a Bachelor of Illustration in 1997 and a degree in Secondary Art Education, she has been an artist and visual arts teacher since 2000.

Fairytales, particularly the original Grimms’ tales and classic children's literature became the focus for her artworks during her Illustration degree where the protagonist is presented with conflicting choices. “Each individual has the potential for light and shade, good and evil. It is this duality that I find intriguing.”

With a finely-honed attention to detail, Favelle’s artworks of richly coloured and alternate worlds are inhabited by quirky-eyed characters. She imbues them with narrative and a contemplative stillness. Her early work was inspired by playful memories of childhood, antiquated objects and puns and as it developed it has become underpinned by explorations into relationships, both external and internal.

Favelle’s work focuses on the multifaceted nature of the central character. Engaging the viewer with their direct gaze, these characters may be quiet but they reflect a strong connection to their surroundings and the creatures which inhabit their environment.

A finalist in the Rotary Arts Prize, Neumann Portrait Prize and the Australian Art Lovers Prize, her highly collectable works are now exhibited internationally in Chicago, (USA) and Portugal and in Australia.

“Initially drawn to the subject of fairytales and storytelling in my Illustration degree, I have become increasingly interested in the complex symbolism in these narratives. Many of the original Grimms’ stories contain dark subjects and conflicting choices for the protagonist. In my work I focus on the multifaceted nature of the central character; that each has the potential for light and shade, good and evil.”