Rachel Perez, a young and vivacious artist—and recent Granite Bay High School graduate—is positioned to take the art world by storm. With her recent first place win in the Congressional Art Competition, Perez’s alternately delicate and rough, nature- and anime-inspired works now garner national attention. Often exploring themes of innocence and maturity, the artist’s true passion is shown in the story presented between characters and their backgrounds.

HLB: How was winning first place? 

RP: When my art teacher got the call from Tom McClintock’s office, we were so excited. I was the first student from Granite Bay High School to take first place in the Congressional Art Show, and I was a little in shock. I got to meet McClintock at the reception, which was awesome, and later I flew to Washington, DC, to see my art in the Cannon Tunnel—where it hung next to many amazing artists from around the country. It was like a dream! 

HLB: Describe your art? 

RP: Personally, I like to describe my art as juxtaposition between a figure and its environment. I like to always tell a story about the figure and her/his relationship to the environment or how they got there. 

HLB: How’d you develop your skill?

RP: I started drawing in second grade, which eventually took over my life. [The next year] I was heavily influenced by anime and drew all the time while watching it. During that time, I slowly learned anatomy as well. By the time I got to high school, I was only used to doodling and doing illustrations. The Granite Bay Art Academy introduced me to the world of acrylic painting, and my two amazing teachers and artists—Ms. Rider and Mr. Stephens—helped me build so many new techniques that turned my art into paintings I could’ve never imagined myself doing. I was taught symbolism, color theory basics, perspective and many other helpful skills that improved my art over time.

HLB: What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

RP: Never use obvious symbolism, and love what you paint!

HLB: Where do you find inspiration?

RP: I usually find inspiration through music I like or simple concepts in my head. I then try to find different things to paint that’ll represent those ideas. I try not to use obvious symbolism, so everyone can relate to the piece in her/his own way.

HLB: If not an artist, what would you be? 

RP: I really can’t imagine myself as anything but an artist of some sort. If I really had no choice, I would maybe be a beautician or a cosmetologist, since I’ve always loved doing my makeup. 

HLB: What’s in your future?

RP: From my love of character design, I really want to become a concept artist for a big company like Disney or Pixar. I’m also interested in character modeling.

—Heather L. Becker

Learn more about Rachel at this link.

Photo of Artist by Dante Fontana. Artwork photos courtesy of Rachel Perez.