Artist, Melbourne Australia @r_j_perrin // www.rachelperrin.com

What was the situation in which this photo was taken?

I only ever take selfies for a reason, and there was a reason for this one but it’s kinda special and I can’t tell you what it is 🙂

Could you tell us something about what you do?

I paint and draw people, I take care of people in my paintings and in life.

How did you first become interested in it?

My mum paints so I’ve always been interested, but 7 years ago one of my favourite painters painted my portrait, a process which took many months as he works only from life. That changed everything for me and it wasn’t too long after that I started painting myself.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love everything about what I do, but the best part is watching how people feel when they first see their portraits… Hmmm, perhaps that doesn’t quite make sense but it does to me.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m painting two little boys and it’s a surprise for their mum so shhhh.

What are the challenges in what you do, and how do you overcome them?

There are so many challenges in what I do, and I really don’t do things by halves. So I just don’t think about  them and work really hard… Like all the time!

Could you describe your personal style?

I dress how I feel, and I like what I like.

What is your present state of mind?

Optimistic/deeply troubled = pretty normal.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Nope, I can’t listen to music while I work because I sing and choreograph dance routines in my head with much gusto (very distracting), so I watch old English murder mysteries while I’m painting, whatever, that’s the truth.

Which artists or designers inspire you?

My friend Peter Wegner, the artist who painted my portrait, he inspires me. There are many great contemporary artists who inspire me, @rarebitultra definitely does, and @dsegrove for example, but mostly I take my inspiration from the people around me… You know who you are 😉

What is the purpose of art, in your view?

For me art is a state of being which for some of us is permanent. All things created within that state are valid, but not necessarily with merit. Art is in people and therefore will always happen. It is a necessity.