Rebecca Rath

My work incorporates all my passions in life – the Australian landscape, painting and Reiki energy work. Reiki is a form of energy healing where practitioners like myself use hands on healing to promote wellness in their patients. I seek to do this with my work too. I’m fascinated with energy and what Reiki healers call Universe Energy. Each painting begins its life in the outdoors where it energetically connects with the earth. I live with my family on a vineyard here in Pokolbin and paint directly in my ‘backyard’ in the Impressionist style of en plein air (open air painting). Due to painting outside and being in the open environment, paintings are raw, energetic, vibrant and expressive. I often use the technique ‘all prima’ which means direct painting. No going back to the studio to rework the paintings. As such sticks, leaves, dirt and other debris can sometimes be found in the paintings which I enjoy. I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours at the University of New South Wales. Further education has included Northern Sydney Technical College, a printmaking mentor-ship and many residencies. I have participated in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, China, Europe and USA.