WELD Artist of the Week: Rachael Currie
Career: Creative Director by day/Production Designer & Video Producer by night
Website:www.RachaelCurrie.com
Mantra: Having an eye to create something out of nothing.
Interview by: Kristin Read
Tell the story of when you realized you were an artist.
Growing up, I was always the actress, and my brother was the artist, because he could draw and paint. My creative thoughts didn’t revolve around drawing and painting, so I never labeled myself as an “artist”. Although, in our world, “creative” has become such a strong term—which, in turn, has opened the doors to embracing various forms of artwork. So, when I started dabbling behind the camera, creating/writing story, and creating various set designs—I realized my insecurity in calling myself an artist was a result of my defining the term incorrectly. I’ve only recently come to the realization that I can comfortably call myself an artist. The term goes much further than the canvas.
What sets you apart from other [insert three career titles]?
Performing in front of a camera most of my life, has given me an interesting viewpoint on how to capture story. As an actress, I learned how to compose script by what felt real/authentic because I had to emotionally perform it. Knowing “story” from the eyes of the actor, gave me perspective on how it’s best captured, and how to build the creative process pre-production. I feel like I have that advantage over other Creative Directors. Fortunately and unfortunately, I’ve also created really bad art. Having previously been a part of, and embarrassed by such cheesy work—I now have a refined eye for what I want to put out there, and what I don’t.
What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on/are working on?
Hands down, the Hosea Project. The reason this short film series was so strong was because of the team behind it—we all shared the same vision, the same heartbeat, the same style, and cohesively executed on those ideas. It just told a really great story. I get asked about 2-3 times a week by church leaders to share the content with their church body. The story just caught wind, and with little to no marketing, it has been shared in over 140 countries, and as of now, watched over 60,000 times. People keep asking, “what’s next?”, and that’s just so exciting.
Who do you go to for inspiration/where are you when it strikes?
I once heard a quote, along the lines of…”Go to your creative space every day, ideas or not. And if inspiration doesn’t arrive, sharpen pencils…do that long enough, and an idea will come.” The Hosea Project and a couple others I’m working on, are all results of time committed to sitting down and dreaming, planning, brainstorming—rather than trying to fly by the seat of my pants. Through these projects I’ve learned that yes, creativity comes through me—but, it doesn’t come from me. The spiritual answer is: if I allow myself the time and space, God creates with my hands…and the times I try to create and force things on my own, it usually falls flat. When I go openhandedly to God, the most ridiculous stuff happens—everything falls in place…these beautiful, happy [accidents], just happen. It’s humbling.
Have any projects come out of your time at WELD (new work, opportunities, etc.)?
I’ve been able to work with a couple of artists on an upcoming video series, brainstorm with other creatives on various projects, and had the privilege to create a distinct set design for WELD guests to enjoy at the Launch party! A lot has come from my time here. It’s hard to pinpoint where to start.
Meet anyone awesome?
No…not at all, I hate everybody there. But seriously, I haven’t met anyone not awesome!