Rachel Burke: Cover Artist, Arts to Hearts Magazine Issue 3
Arts to Hearts Magazine is a vibrant initiative that celebrates creativity, connection, and the boundless world of contemporary art. Each issue brings together the works of over 50 talented artists from across the globe, offering a unique blend of inspiration and insight
The cover of Arts to Hearts Magazine Issue 3, designed by the renowned Rachel Burke, radiates her signature style—vivid, joyful, and unapologetically bold. True to her artistic ethos, the design is a celebration of color and texture, drawing the viewer into a whimsical world of creativity and imagination.Rachel’s work perfectly complements the magazine’s mission to inspire and uplift artists and art enthusiasts alike. Her intricate patterns and vibrant palette reflect the dynamic and diverse perspectives showcased within the pages of the magazine. This striking design sets the tone for an issue that promises to enlighten, engage, and energize readers through the stories and works of talented artists from across the globe.
Who is Rachel Burke?
Rachel Burke, a talented multidisciplinary artist, designer, and author based in Brisbane, has charmed the world with her imaginative and tactile creations. Her work is a celebration of color, texture, and joy, marked by her signature whimsical wearable art and the dazzling tinsel designs that have become her trademark. Rachel’s artistic journey began with a simple love for glitter and a dream to create magic out of the everyday. Over the years, she transformed this passion into a thriving career, capturing hearts and sparking imaginations everywhere.
From vibrant garments that feel like wearable celebrations to playful installations that shimmer with life, Rachel’s creations radiate positivity and creativity. Her story is not just one of artistic success but also of resilience and staying true to her vision. She inspires others to embrace their quirks, dream big, and find beauty in the unexpected.
Whether it’s through her iconic tinsel pieces or her thoughtful storytelling, Rachel Burke continues to leave a glittering mark on the world.
Education and Early Life
Rachel’s childhood was marked by a love for glittery and girly objects. Dreaming of becoming a fairy, she spent her days immersed in crafting, unknowingly laying the groundwork for her future career. However, her environment didn’t foster the idea of art as a profession. As the first in her family to choose a creative path, Rachel often felt like an outsider.
After high school, she enrolled at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne to study musical theater. But it wasn’t the right fit, and after a year, she made the bold decision to drop out. It was a challenging time, but her self-discovery journey soon led her to explore her love for storytelling and design.
Rachel’s Artistic Theme and Style
Rachel Burke’s artistic style is characterized by its vibrant, playful, and tactile nature. Her creations exude a sense of joy and whimsy, often using naive craft materials like tinsel, pom-poms, glitter, and embellishments. She transforms the mundane into the magical, creating dresses and jackets that sparkle with personality.
Her theme revolves around celebrating individuality and embracing imperfections. Rachel’s work often reflects her inner struggles, including insecurities about her lack of formal art training. Yet, it’s this very authenticity that makes her art relatable and inspiring. Her projects, such as Apomogy, emphasize vulnerability, connection, and self-expression.
Journey to Becoming a Designer
Rachel’s creative journey truly began when she started a blog documenting her experiments in clothing design. Despite lacking formal sewing skills, she created “patchworky” dresses for her friends. This hands-on approach allowed her to develop a unique design perspective.
One of her earliest milestones was creating a dress every week for twenty weeks, raising $5,000 for charity. Motivated by this success, she embarked on a year-long project of making a dress daily, further solidifying her path as a designer. Her resourcefulness shone as she transformed $5 dresses into stunning $200 creations with embellishments, pom-poms, and gems.
Collaborations & Exhibitions
Rachel Burke’s work has been showcased in prestigious galleries across Australia, including:
- The Museum of Brisbane
- Saint Cloche Gallery
- The Australian Centre of the Moving Image
- Hamer Hall
- GAFFA
Her creative brilliance has attracted collaborations with renowned brands like Disney, Barbie, LEGO, Airbnb, Sephora, Visa, and My Little Pony. She has also designed for celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Drew Barrymore, Lauren Conrad, Kesha, and Mindy Kaling.
Books & Publications
Rachel’s passion for storytelling extends to her work as an author. She has published five books that reflect her creative journey and unique perspective:
- Fancy Long Legs (2024)
- Craft Roach (2023)
- Pla Pla: Gather, Make, Play (2023)
- Be Dazzling (2018)
- Daphne & Daisy (2017)
Each book showcases Rachel’s love for crafting and her ability to transform simple ideas into inspiring projects.
Why Rachel Burke is an Inspiration for All Artists Who Don’t Dare
Rachel Burke’s story is proof that magic happens when you dare to be yourself. She didn’t wait for permission or follow the crowd—she carved her own path and embraced her quirks unapologetically. For artists holding back out of fear or doubt, Rachel’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that the things that make you unique are often your greatest strengths. Her evolution from a glitter-loving child to a celebrated artist and designer is an inspiration to anyone daring to dream.
Rachel’s ability to transform something as simple as tinsel into art that sparks joy and wonder proves that creativity has no limits. She encourages us to dream big, trust our instincts, and embrace the passions that set our hearts on fire. Her story reminds every artist that their bold, messy, and colorful ideas are worth sharing—and that sometimes, taking the scariest leap leads to the most beautiful outcomes.
You can follow Rachel’s colorful adventures on Instagram
Through her vibrant creations, meaningful projects, and unapologetic authenticity, Rachel shows us that art is about embracing who we are and sharing that truth with the world.
