About info

Rachel comes from a costume, textile and theatre design background, based in West Yorkshire. Her current work investigates mediums that engage audiences in a sensory way that is perceived using light, textiles and three dimensional forms that make the physical attributes of an installation. The work can be tactile, visual and atmospheric, and with the choice of topics in the work that she makes and collaborates in, these techniques are effective in communicating some pressing concerns of our time: ‘waste and consumption of plastic products and the devastation of vital ecological systems by climate change’.

Rachel’s artistic practice is a dynamic exploration of material communication, circularity, and the intricate interplay between the human-made and the natural world. Grounded in an appreciation for the multifaceted systems of existence, she often delves into themes of biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature while integrating closed-loop systems into her creative process. 

Approaching each project with a spirit of openness and co-creation, Rachel allows materials to guide her, fostering unexpected discoveries in mediums such as textile, sculpture, and light. Working with waste materials, she challenges conventional notions of wastefulness, creatively repurposing forms to engage audiences through STEAM-based methods and interactive elements that invite community participation.

Testimonials

““Rachel’s work brings 4D attributes to life. Their work was instrumental in achieving the immersive and sensory experience we were aiming for. Not only this but their use of recycled materials perfectly complimented one of our key themes ‘invasive species’ by highlighting, in such a visceral way, how plastic is also an invader of the natural world.””
— Paul Miller, Project Director/ Lead Artist
“Due to her very dedicated and structured way of working, she was a great support for our project that we could not have realised so successfully without her. We appreciate her open-minded and warm manner. Rachel Rea has always been a joy to work with.”
— Stella Pischke, Producer, Femxle Spaces, VeirD

Rachel Rea BA Hons CV

rachelreaart@gmail.com | 🌐 rachelreaart.com | immortalbloomart.com

Creative professional with a diverse background in freelance projects across film, theatre, and museums. Self-taught in climate, natural world, and environmental policy. Committed to delivering projects conscientiously and continuously improving through training and professional development.

Current Experience

Visual Artist New creatives Programme, Artist in residence 2023- 2024


Co-founder/ Creative Director, Immortal Bloom 2021- Present

Assistant Project manager
VeirD/ Femxle Spaces 2022-23

    • Venue/Festival: Slunglow/Leeds, 2023

Assistant producer

  • IOU: 2022-2023

    • Producer/Director/Organizer: Dean Clough

Artist/Coordinator

  • sCrap 2022 (Curating Futures, Online)

    • Josie Purcell

  • Creative Reactions 2022 (Pint of Science)

    • Theodora Prassa, Dr. Caitrin Rutland

  • Visual Coordinator, Paisley Dark 2020-2022 (Various venues, Leeds)

    • John Paynter

  • Installation Artist, Wellington Place 2022 (Leeds Piano Competition)

    • David Cartwright

  • Installation Artist/Producer/Facilitator, MicroBihome 2019 (Manchester Science Festival, University of Salford)

  • Installation Artist, Bloom 2019 (East Street Arts, Art Hostel)

  • Visual Coordinator, Connected 2019 (Open Source Arts, Inner-city Electronic)

  • Visual/Installation Artist, Nature Rebel 2019 (Open Source Arts)

    • Livia Rita

  • Artist/Coordinator, AquAirium 2018 (Manchester Science Festival)

    • Paul Miller and UOS

Producer/Panelist

  • PET Shop 2020 (Wellbeing and Economics, Online)

  • Immortal Bloom (Online, Leeds inspired, Leeds City Council, LDPO, CHWA, Cultural Health Wellbeing Alliance)

Lighting Designer/Co-organizer

  • Swarm 2017-2018 (Light Night Festival, Studio 24, Leeds City Council)

Producer/Artist/Coordinator

  • Connected 2018-2019 (InnerCity Electronic Festival, Open Source Arts, Arts Together, The Holbeck, Shelter Me, Sheaf Street, Crossed Wires, Paisley Dark Records)

Workshop Facilitator/Co-organizer

  • Everybody school of arts for year 5-9 2023, at Everybody Arts

  • Accessibility Crafts 2020 (Online, LDPO)

Lighting Designer/Artist

  • HumanAquairium 2019 & 2023 (St Johns)

    • Lucy Meredith, YLA

Designer

  • Naked Noodle 2018 (London Fashion Week, Creative Race)

Artist Support/Co-organizer

  • Making Home 2017 (Art Hostel, East St Arts)

Costume/theatre Design 

Costume/Theatre Designer

  • Wandering Scholar ‘Holst’, 2022, Northern Opera Group

Costume Consultant

  • Open Source Arts, Red ladder 2019

Costume Designer

  • The Unknown with Manic Chord theatre 2019 (Deershed Festival, Bradford literature festival, Assembly lab.)

Costume Designer

  • ‘The Communists’ 2018, Simon Glass, Glass&Pitt production (Independent short film, Location Leeds)

Costume Assistant/ Wardrobe supervisor, Dresser

  • ‘Predator Dark Ages’ 2017, Director,James Bushe, Shudder Productions (FanDub, Location Derby)

Costume Assistant/ Make-up Artist

  • ‘Digital You’ 2016 (Independent Film, Director Stefan Fairlamb, Location Leeds)

Wardrobe/Line-up Assistant

  • Emmerdale, 2015 (ITV studios, Leeds)

Prop-maker/ Wardrobe Assistant

  • Game of Thrones, 2014, HBO (Location, Belfast)