ABOUT R.A.L. WEST
My first body of definitive expression was innovative and futuristic wearable sculpture which I designed and constructed full-time from 1974-1982, selling my first collection to Henri Bendel NY. These works reached their collectors via artful retail shops, galleries and commissions on both Coasts of the USA; and I was a regular contributor to Sandra Sakata's iconic Obiko in San Francisco, CA
I was privileged to have work from this period included in major museum exhibitions.
With a move away from the urban environment, and beginning studies in the Healing Arts, my artwork evolved into mixed media wall reliefs. These were first created with techniques identical to those in my Art Couture work – but now hand sewn. This allowed me a more contemplative creation process, and a much more physically supple result. In fact, the first couple of works were also wearable ceremonial garments that expanded into hanging wall works with their own unique integrity.
Within the year I was creating these reliefs in various mixed media, often including textiles, and was encouraged by regular and enthusiastic commissions from interior designers and architects in Southern California.
All my work before 1990 was signed “CUCA”, a family nickname. Most of my Art Couture pieces were reversible, and unsigned.
After 1989 I focused most of my creative energy into training and facilitating in the Healing Arts: Breathwork, Reflexology, Flower Remedies and Reiki energy work. Since 2011 I've been employing the tools of Access Consciousness, including becoming a practitioner of the energy bodywork Access Consciousness - The Bars.
During this time I continued to draw, take photographs and make small artworks.
In 2000 I began a small business hand-dyeing silk scarves with a unique shibori animal skin pattern I developed. These, bearing the label Fibonacci, sold to specialty retailers as I traveled the Southwest.
Since 2004 I’ve again been creating work consistently: one-of-a-kind body adornment accessories, digitally manipulated original drawings, and direct digital painting. I’ve also discovered I have an expanding collection of compelling photographic images.
My first body of definitive expression was innovative and futuristic wearable sculpture which I designed and constructed full-time from 1974-1982, selling my first collection to Henri Bendel NY. These works reached their collectors via artful retail shops, galleries and commissions on both Coasts of the USA; and I was a regular contributor to Sandra Sakata's iconic Obiko in San Francisco, CA
I was privileged to have work from this period included in major museum exhibitions.
With a move away from the urban environment, and beginning studies in the Healing Arts, my artwork evolved into mixed media wall reliefs. These were first created with techniques identical to those in my Art Couture work – but now hand sewn. This allowed me a more contemplative creation process, and a much more physically supple result. In fact, the first couple of works were also wearable ceremonial garments that expanded into hanging wall works with their own unique integrity.
Within the year I was creating these reliefs in various mixed media, often including textiles, and was encouraged by regular and enthusiastic commissions from interior designers and architects in Southern California.
All my work before 1990 was signed “CUCA”, a family nickname. Most of my Art Couture pieces were reversible, and unsigned.
After 1989 I focused most of my creative energy into training and facilitating in the Healing Arts: Breathwork, Reflexology, Flower Remedies and Reiki energy work. Since 2011 I've been employing the tools of Access Consciousness, including becoming a practitioner of the energy bodywork Access Consciousness - The Bars.
During this time I continued to draw, take photographs and make small artworks.
In 2000 I began a small business hand-dyeing silk scarves with a unique shibori animal skin pattern I developed. These, bearing the label Fibonacci, sold to specialty retailers as I traveled the Southwest.
Since 2004 I’ve again been creating work consistently: one-of-a-kind body adornment accessories, digitally manipulated original drawings, and direct digital painting. I’ve also discovered I have an expanding collection of compelling photographic images.