Artist Spotlight: Rachel Fanning

To be in love with various media of art doesn’t always mean you have to major in art. For junior Rachel Fanning, her love for art was sparked differently.

Fanning, a public relations major at the University of Rhode Island, practices different forms of art during her free time. Even though college can be very demanding, she explained how she finds peace and relaxation while working on her pieces.

Her most recent project was a snowboard that she designed as a surprise for her boyfriend. She said it was really fun to do, and very therapeutic for her.

“I just get into the rhythm of painting such a big, big piece,” Fanning said. “Seeing his reaction of the finished product brought me such joy.”

Fanning, originally from Narragansett, Rhode Island, said that her mom has been her biggest influence when it came to discovering her artistic abilities. Her mom attended art school at the Art Institute of Boston, and modeled a household with an artistic background.

“She really inspired me to use all different kinds of mediums of art every since I was young, even up until now,” Fanning said.

As well as her mother’s role in her love for art, one of Fanning’s favorite artists is Keith Haring. She described his work as “very bright and very simple, but very inspirational at the same time.”

In high school, Fanning was more involved with her art, and took various art classes. She had some of her work showcased at local art galleries in both middle school and high school.

As a public relations major, Fanning hopes to incorporate her creative art abilities in her field of study. She explained that she has thought about possibly becoming a graphic designer, but still has the idea “in the works.”

Fanning is currently taking a graphic design course that is testing her artistic abilities with graphic design. She admitted that her favorite art class was her art history class that she took with URI Professor Lisa Tom.

“She just had a very relaxed attitude,” Fanning said. “She wanted her students to learn as much as they could.”

Fanning currently works at Eddie’s BBQ, located in Narragansett, where she works as a server. Unlike other servers, Fanning also helps her boss design skateboards that are showcased in his restaurant. She said her boss is “really invested in skateboards” so when he discovered her artistic abilities, he asked her to help design them.

Art is very therapeutic for Fanning. She explained that sometimes she’ll draw in her coloring books to help her relax. She said that art has become an outlet for her to take her mind off either troubling things or stressful situations. She hopes that she will always be able to continue drawing and designing once she graduates.

“I’m a very determined person,” Fanning said. “So once I start a piece, I can’t stop. It kills me if I have to take a break or have to continue another day.”

Fanning is now working on another skateboard for her boss, and described the process as rewarding. She said that he gives her an idea and let’s her have free range on how it comes out, and every time he has loved her work.