Rachel O'Connell
Marbling Artist, Leatherworker and Educator
South Devon, England
Inspired by nature and architecture, using heritage craft skills to create functional, textile art for the home and to wear.
I am multi-media marbling artist and an educator, with over 30 years of marbling and textiles experience. I trained as a leatherworker for upholstery projects and began marbling on leather 15 years ago. I marble on textiles, including leather, on paper and wood, to create textile art for home décor, stationery and wearable art.
Made in small batches, with larger items made to order, or if something is out of stock, I will make and ship 7 - 21 days from order. I also have a circular design range of jewellery and accessories, created from repurposing ballet slippers received from The Royal Opera and Ballet.
I lauched by sustainable brand, ROCWORX in 2021 and have since exhibited and sold work in Manchester Art Gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery, London Craft Week, Handmade Oxford and MAKE Southwest. I currently have work in The British Museum and Brantwood Museum, as well as galleries and independent shops in Devon. In 2024, I was accepted as an Associate Member of MAKE Southwest, where they will showcase my work later this Autumn.
If you love a creative experience day, then you should try one of my marbling workshops. I tutor marbling and leatherwork in schools, community groups, galleries and museums. I am a tutor for West Dean College, for Art's Council National Saturday Club and for the educational charity, The Creative Dimension Trust. I also demonstrate in museums and for Heritage Crafts at Craft Festival and at Weald and Downland Living Museum.
Click here for more information about my upcoming events and workshops
Current exhibition:
"Pull the Thread Exhibition-textiles for a cool planet", curated by Blue Patch
John Ruskin's Studio, Brantwood Museum
27July - 22 September