"There’s so much humanity in the details of people’s lives, and I find myself drawn to capturing both the beauty and the complexities of those narratives." Rachel Dioso-Villa

Life in Colour

Nov 10

Written By GoLive

The brilliant Rachel Dioso-Villa will be part of our upcoming group show, *Life in Colour*.

We are are delighted to welcome back the brilliant Rachel Dioso-Villa for our upcoming group show, Life in Colour.

The show brings together more than 30 incredible artists from all over the country for a joyous celebration of vibrant colour.

Register now to join us on Saturday 16 November from 1pm as we celebrate this superb show in the company of the amazing artists involved. Put your name down for this FREE event, and pop your contact details on the mailing list at the same time to get early pre-sales access to the works in the show.

Rachel is a Meanjin/Brisbane-based mixed-media artist and criminologist whose expressive and vibrant work explores resilience, the complex interplay between public and private selves, and the themes of social justice. In 2024, she received a Highly Commended Award in Watercolour at the Aspects Art Show, and in 2023, she received the People’s Choice Award at the Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award.

We absolutely LOVE her work and are thrilled to get her back for Life in Colour.

Ahead of the show opening, Rachel told us about surrounding herself with inspiration, why she chooses to work with mixed media, and how she hopes people feel when they see her work.

Where do you create your work?

"I create my work in a cozy but creatively charged space at home that feels like an extension of myself. It’s a place where spontaneity is set free — where tubes of paints, brushes, pastels, inks, watercolours and coloured pencils are always within reach, inviting playful exploration."

"I surround myself with things that inspire me, from art books and little mementos to unfinished pieces that need more time and space to come to life. There's a nice mix of natural light during the day and warm lighting for late-night sessions after work. This space really allows me to experiment, make mistakes, and follow ideas wherever they lead."

How do you create your work?

"I love working in mixed media because it gives me the freedom to choose the right technique for each concept, which keeps my work dynamic and versatile. I rarely sketch beforehand; instead, I dive right in, letting the process unfold naturally. This approach allows the viewer to see the full, sometimes unpredictable journey of each piece."

What inspires you?

"I’m inspired by people—their stories, diversity, and lived experiences—which also aligns with my work as a criminologist focused on social justice and wrongful convictions. There’s so much humanity in the details of people’s lives, and I find myself drawn to capturing both the beauty and the complexities of those narratives."

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

"I hope people feel a sense of connection when they see my work. My goal is for viewers to experience an initial pull from afar, drawn in by the colours and composition. But as they get closer, I want them to get carried into the piece, discovering the layers, textures, and details that reflect personal stories and emotions."

"I hope the piece evokes something meaningful for them — maybe it stirs a memory or resonates with a feeling they’ve experienced. Ultimately, I want people to find parts of themselves in the work, to connect with the emotions and moments captured on the canvas, and to feel like they’re part of that shared human experience."