Since high school, I (Rachel) have been painting. I've been creating much longer than that, but I did not have a real interest in painting until high school. I was really upset one day, the result of a boy (imagine that), and thought I need a way to express how hurt I am. So I bought what I thought were decent painting supplies, and painted until the wee hours of the morning. I couldn't believe it! I felt so much better! I thought to myself, this painting stuff is pretty cool, how come no one ever told me about this?

It was pretty much a domino effect from there. I would make a painting anytime I was upset. Then I started painting because it was fun. I continue to paint because I enjoy it, and I can express thoughts, ideas, and feelings through paint. Sometimes, it is just a good excuse to get together with friends and drink wine.

Art/Design have an amazing way of portraying a memory, feelings and all. I think about hiking in the mountains; the smells, the sounds, the fears, the happiness, and the freedom. Art is a way that I can tell that story.

The name Hardly Simple Designs came from a tattoo of mine, which came from an Alicia Key's song. The lyrics "Now it's hardly simple, it's just simply hard", resonated with me for some reason. I had the words "Hardly Simple" (in Polish) tattooed on my back. When it came time to pick a shop name, "Hardly Simple Designs" seemed to fit my often vast variety of paintings. Of course, "Rachel's Art" just didn't seem unique enough.

Today, I create and paint every chance I get. I live in beautiful Bellevue, Nebraska with my photographer husband and two massive german shepherds. Our home is constantly overflowing with artwork and photography, and I would not have it any other way. I am an IT nerd by day, and an artist always.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me anytime.

Have a Peaceful Day!