Hi! I’m Rachel . . .
WHERE I’M FROM
I’m from a small coastal town called Waterford in Connecticut, USA. I also graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree Interior Design . . . but who cares about all that, let’s get to the point.
I find it hard to describe myself . . .
I’m a bit of a “hobby-hopper,” as I love anything creative: painting, drawing, crochet, photography, cooking, scrapbooking, dancing?! At the same time, I’ll try most other adventures too. I love hiking and camping, trying new foods, I’m scared of ants but went skydiving (don’t ask me to explain that one), and I attended a 10-day silent meditation retreat. Oh, and I f***ing love coffee.
However, this site is going to hopefully mesh everything together, focusing on my two greatest joys: art and travel. (Hence, “The Wandering Sketchbook.” I know, how clever)
Why art and travel?
These are my two passions, and while they may seem disconnected at first, I recently noticed they actually play off one another. For me, I’ve realized the best parts of traveling are not in the fancy resorts or touristy hotspots, but in the local culture of any given place. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t pass up a bougee night in New York with my best friend or a trip to the beach, but the most significant experiences in my life have been through true exploration of a different culture.
“Art is Culture and Culture is Art” – Me
My creative eye helps me to subconsciously dive into the culture of places. As I simply explore my interests – art, architecture, music, food, ect. – I learn about what makes that specific location unique! Traveling broadens my personal perspective, allowing both myself and my art to grow. It is when I feel the most inspired and creative. Each place has its own variety of colors, textures, patterns, plant-life to draw inspiration from, etc. A dive into art is to explore the local experience at the same time; the two are not disconnected as I once thought.
So . . . what’s this blog?
I think the better way to answer that question is by explaining what this blog is not. This page is not meant to sell you on the “Top 10 Best Hotels to Stay in . . .” or similar content. My hope is to merely tell stories about my travel through my creative lens, focusing on unique experiences, local perspectives and authentic narratives. I want to dive deeper into places, exploring both art and the rest of the culture. Of course, along the way I’ll provide any tips I have and share the art I’ve made along the way!
Traveling Inspires Creativity!
In just some of the examples below, you can see how exploring new places offers me the most inspiration. Through exploring new cultures, landscapes, foods, etc., I feel most creative to turn those ideas into abstractions on a page. You can of course read more about each piece in the Travel Art tab.
Cacao
Inspired by coffee in Peru
Down to the Kernel, Pt 3
Inspired by “Chicha” in Lima, Peru
Tango
Inspired by La Boca, Argentina
Sketch Collage of Patagonia
Inspired by my time in El Chalten & Calafate
Cacao
(Detail)
Down to the Kernel Pt 1
Process photo
If you’re curious . . .
Here’s everywhere I’ve been, only counting places I’ve spent significant time in or that are worth mentioning. Specific articles can be found in the Destinations tab:)
North America
– Connecticut, USA (home!)
– Georgia, USA (college!)
– Hawaii (Kauai, Maui, Big Island)
– California USA (L.A., San Diego)
– Maine, USA (Bar Harbor, Portland, Acadia, Kennebunkport)
– New York, USA (NYC & Adirondacks)
– Boston, Massachusetts USA
– New Hampshire, USA (Conway)
– Rhode Island, USA (Providence & Newport)
– Washington, Dc USA
– Charleston, South Carolina USA
– Florida (St. Pete, Orlando)
– Mexico (Cancun & Playa del Carmen)
– Nassau, Bahamas
– Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Europe
– Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence)
– France (Lacoste, Paris)
– Spain (Madrid, Barcelona)
South America
– Peru (Lima)
– Argentina (Buenos Aires & Patagonia)
– Columbia (Medellin)