Rachel Coleman
Hi! My name is Rachel Coleman of Shy Fox Studio.
I am a fluid artist from Chester County, Pennsylvania.
After experiencing a trauma and finding a therapist for help in 2017, it was suggested that I practice using the right side of my brain, by finding some creative outlet.
I had grown up in my moms ceramic shop in the 80's and 90's, and when I became a rebellious teenager, I never looked back at painting again. I figured I would tap back into that, and see if what I had learned in my moms ceramic classes was still in there somewhere. I bought holiday decorations, and when I painted them I lost all sense of time, stress, and anxiety. I felt a temporary reprieve from my trauma. My mind got quiet and I was hooked!
After trying a few different mediums, I kept coming back to fluid art. I was attracted to the vibrant colors and how they moved across the canvas. I am a control freak, and fluid art has taught me to work on letting go.
I am inspired by the elements of nature, biology, and natural formations like geodes. They are all reflected in my work.
I have such gratitude for coming out of the dark and finding my passion.
I continue to work through my traumas, as most of us do, but art helps me immensely. My biggest gifts are the people I meet, and being able to share my art with others.
Life is good!

It's all Fun and Games…
This piece represents the time that I discovered my drug of choice and it was still romantic. I thought I found the thing that made me "normal" and comfortable in my own skin. I had no idea how dark it was about to get.
Acrylic on canvas

Sincerely, Your Disease
This is a collection of journaling, homework, and pamphlets from when I was in rehab in 2013 along with notes I took of conversations I'd have with people knowing I'd forget while using. Look in the eyes of this piece. You may see yourself.
Mixed media on canvas

Let That Shit Go
After learning about this exhibit, I decided to create a series called "Break Free." All of the pieces are black and white because in my addiction, I couldn't see color. The pieces represent breaking free of color and my disease.
Acrylic on canvas