Spring was in full bloom during the first COVID lockdown in 2020. Outside my window I could see nature growing and blossoming as normal.
I found the abstract, blurred colour behind the window a perfect metaphor for how we were all of a sudden cut off from the vibrant world we were used to, and perhaps took for granted.
I longed for the colourful outdoors but realized I needed to find moments of joy and optimism in my newly confined space.
Since then, a year of unrelenting bad news has caused me to reassess my priorities and focus on appreciating life in my smaller, still rich, life at home.
Rachel Nixon is a British-Canadian fine art photographer – and former journalist – based in Vancouver.
Inspired by the potential of natural forms to offer unexpected perspectives, she uses strategies such as abstraction, fragmentation and multiple exposure to bring these to the viewer’s attention. She also develops constructed realities exploring themes such as secrecy, isolation, and a desire for connection.
In 2019, Rachel graduated with honours from the VanArts professional photography program. Since then, her work has been exhibited internationally and received a number of accolades.
Awards *Select Exhibitions*
2021
Barcelona Foto Biennale, FotoNostrum Gallery.
Exposure Photography Festival, Calgary, Canada: International Open Call exhibition.
The Curator’s Salon: The Autumn Exhibition (online).
*Select Awards*
2021
Prix de la Photographie (Px3): Two honourable mentions: Fine Art/Other and Special/Special Effects.
16th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards: Winner, Abstract (single image); three honourable mentions: Abstract, Landscapes & Seascapes, and Still Life (all single image).
Minimalist Photography Awards 2021: Honourable Mention, Fine Art.
7th Fine Art Photography Awards: Nominee, Open Theme (amateur).
14th International Color Awards: Honourable Mention, Nature, and Nominee, Fine Art (amateur).
2020
Chromatic Awards 2020: Honourable mention, Fine Art (amateur).
International Photography Awards 2020: Two honourable mentions, Fine Art: Still Life, and Nature: Landscape (non-pro).
Minimalist Photography Awards 2020: Honourable Mention, Fine Art.
The Independent Photographer: Editors’ Pick, Color Photography Awards.
Urban 2020 Photo Awards: Selected photographer, Streets.
6th Fine Art Photography Awards: Nominee, Nature and Open (amateur).
13th International Color Awards: Nominee, Fine Art and Wildlife (amateur).
2019
14th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards: Winner, Abstract (single image); honourable mentions, Nature (single image), and Fine Art (series) (non-pro).
International Photography Awards: One Shot Street Photography Awards, three honourable mentions.
2017
PX3, Bronze award: Nature / Flowers - Non-Professional for Green Dream.
