Rachel Anne Morris (b. 1996) is an American painter, designer, poet and teacher. She paints abstract figures, usually in watercolor and gouache, and designs assorted merchandise (greeting cards, posters, jewelry, clothing). Her work has been exhibited at Art on First and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. As well, Morris has led poetry workshops at the Floyd Center for the Arts and the Little River Poetry Festival. Whatever kind of art she is focused on, she sees her creative process as an exploration, during which she opens herself up to “play, emotion and transformation”. The poet Mary Oliver is also a major influence on her work.
Morris is an attender at Roanoke Meeting. She lives nearby, noticed the Meetinghouse when she was out walking one day and decided to investigate. Because her art has always intertwined with her spirituality, she values her involvement with Friends.
I love Rachel Anne Morris’s art. I first noticed her work in a video on her Instagram account as she painted a mural at the West End Center in Roanoke. (And I have enjoyed her sitting in Meeting for Worship with her multi-colored hair). A very special artist!
Please check out her Instagram account at @cairnradesign. Above is her painting, “Maiden Voyage on the Time Sea”.
Gary Sandman
October 2024