Meet Rachel Alber | Artist/Sculptor/Mental Health Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Alber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I use to get really stressed about my work, it felt like it was a matter of life and death. That was when I was living in Seattle trying to survive as a young female metal fabricator and artist. I experienced insecurities in all areas of my life; social supports, financial, housing, food, and psychologically. That was a long time ago, and those experiences surviving built the foundation for who I am today. I am now a licensed mental health therapist and sculptor. My work life balance is very important to me. I have worked hard to build security in my life. I no longer am stressed about my work. I am doing what I love and I have balance between doing and being.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is abstract and explores the relationship between chaos and order. It is a reflection of my life, and probably everyone’s life. We all experience both because there is chaos in order and order in chaos. My career as a mental health therapist aims to bring some order to that chaos on an individual level. My art aims to show the order found in chaos. My understanding of these concepts have developed from my artistic process of piecing things together. I found that the places of connection create the stability. This is true with humans and communities. Something I am most proud of is a public art sculpture I was commissioned to create and install by the town of Pagosa Springs, Co. I am excited to do more public art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I live in a pretty small town in the mountains. My favorite places where I live are in the mountains by rivers and lakes breathing in the peace and quiet and landscape. I also love tacos and hot springs. I would take my friend to the mountains, soak in the hot springs and eat tacos!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, my partner, my friends, my sister

Website: industrialgem.com. creativeheartpsych.com

Facebook: industrialgem

Image Credits
Rachel Alber