Rachael Grad

Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train

Painting
2021
Watercolour on Paper
36" x 36"
The first painting in my Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train Series was awarded a 2021 Mercedes Matter Art Award and shown in a group art exhibition at the Margalit Gallery, in SOHO, New York City from October 7th 2021 through December 31st, 2021. The abstract artwork sold to a New York City collector while on view in SOHO, NYC.

“The Inspiration and Background Story of the Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train Series Rolling a toy train across my artwork is a not so subtle metaphor for being a mother and artist. I felt that motherhood hit me like a train and incorporated that feeling into my artwork. My drawing and painting practice completely changed course when I became a mother. Toys have taken over my home and my artwork and they are always in mind and in my way. For this first artwork in this series I tried to reverse the ubiquitous toy train and turn it into a paintbrush.My children often join in on my painting, drawing, collages, and studio artwork. At first, I did not appreciate my kids' overtaking or co-collaboration in my art. Over the years, I have grown to accept that children thrive on creative art projects. I have intentionally started including my kids and sometimes their friends into certain projects, both for family activities and for school projects.To express motherhood in body and gesture, I used a small toy train with six wheels to make fluid marks across a large 36” x 36” watercolour paper. I tested various brush strokes and differing marks with the toy train, including quick pushing of the train to letting it move on its own across the page. I decided on a sweeping arm motion as my one mrk. I found the rolling motion to be a more satisfying way of using the train, as compared to dabbing it like a stamp.Surprisingly, the mark making was unexpectedly tiring for my arm and back. Ironically, working in this way causes the same physical exhaustion, aches and pains as those I experienced after childbirth, as a mother to a newborn. I was forced to work in short bursts and take many breaks while creating this painting. Resting alone and respite from one’s own kids is also highly recommended when mothering.”

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Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train
Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train
train used as a paintbrush on top of Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train
train used as a paintbrush on top of Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train
detail of Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train
detail of Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train
divider
2021, 2021 Mercedes Matter Award Show
Margalit Gallery, 122 Grand St, New York, NY, 10013
2021, 2021 Mercedes Matter Award
New York Studio School Alumni Association Jury

Work by

Rachael Grad

Drawing and Painting

“Motherhood is mayhem. My art subjects reflect parenting moments, and my painting technique is a reference to, and mocking of, art history movements such as the machismo of the Abstract Expressionist...” [More]