The Artist

Bio

Rachel Johanningsmeier is known for her to-scale sculptural figures and modern nude paintings that incorporate earthly elements. Drawn to her desire to understand, she utilizes the body to explore the spectrum of human conditions and our distinctive need to connect. This expedition is conducted through a series of acrylic paintings and non-traditional sculptures that overlay biologically correct figures with metaphorical symbols found in nature.

 Johanningsmeier grew up in the suburbs of Apex, North Carolina. Blessed with a small acre of land to traverse, she spent much of her childhood conjuring up another life in the woods. She was raised with two sisters in a gymnast family, so the gym became a second home and strong, brave girls became her community. These inherent experiences influence her work today, and its compositional focus on movement, energy, and spirit.

In 2021, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her experience since as a restaurant worker and serving on the Tri State Sculptors board as the social media chair has shaped how she approaches the community with her work. In conjunction with gallery exhibitions, she creates artistic process videos and curates creative events with local businesses.