Rae West

Rae West began her career as a graphic designer based in Sydney, developing an eye for composition and design. West eventually returned to New Zealand and moved toward fine art, following in the footsteps of her grandmother who she had watched as a child painting and creating. West experimented with painting as well as pottery, quickly developing a distinct style. She was soon showcasing the work she produced from her own studio/gallery near the sea just outside Napier.

West's earlier work found inspiration in New Zealand landscape, flora and fauna. Her early career works were representational and symbolic, but simmering under the surface was always an interest in the fluid and tactile qualities of paint.

West's latest work shows that she has really developed her stylistic approach, toward increased free mark making. In her new work, gone are the imagery of birds and botanicals as she dives into the realms of abstraction.

Her new works pulse with the kinetic freedom of fluidity and light. She uses multiple veils of pigment, resin and ink, which blend and react against each other creating beautiful forms and textures. The end results are spontaneous, subconscious, and sensual.

Rae West's work is broadly collected and her work can be found in private collections throughout Australasia, the UK and USA.