90% Delusion, 10% Skill
Hello and welcome to my very first Strata 83 blog post! Do people still write or even read blogs? I don’t know, but as someone who's constantly late for any trends, I’m not surprised I got here just now. Let me introduce myself then, I guess?
I’m Raquel, and Strata 83 is my little digital corner where I create my artworks. I have been dabbling in creating prints for longer than I can remember. I never really took it any further other than an on-and-off hobby until one day when I was searching for something to do in my spare time. I had two rules:
Rule #1
I wanted something where I could see growth. I didn’t want to end up like my keyboard experience, where after three years, I still can’t manage more than a couple of very simple pieces. Does anyone want a keyboard?
Rule #2
It had to be free. It wasn’t.
Then it hit me, why not revisit that old hobby?
Why Strata 83?
I started altering my own travel photographs, wondering, "And if I press here, what happens? What if I change this colour?" It didn’t take long for me to think that the world had to see it. Remember? 90% delusion!
And that’s pretty much the story of how it all began; there aren't many layers to it. Well, to the story at least, the work itself has quite a few! I tried to make a joke... forget it!
The name came from being tired of finding an available URL. It took me so long that I started to search for names in Latin and landed on "Strata." Strata refers to those multi-coloured sedimentary layers we see in nature. It felt perfect because layering is a big part of the process. As for the "83"? Just a random number.
I like to think of my work as a fusion of botanical and street art vibes. I shoot photographs of nature and mix them with textures, colours, and edits, hoping to showcase all the vibrance and happiness they bring to me. There is no fixed process, nor do I go in with a firm idea of what I want to portray. I play with the images until something new emerges, and I absolutely love the unexpected results. I live for the child-like feeling of seeing something for the first time.
If you like unique, creative art, whether you’re into botanical prints, street art, or just enjoy the quirky side of things, I’m sure you’ll find something here that speaks to you.
Sorry for rambling and I hope you enjoy! 😀
