Rachel Donald is an artist, maker, and curator based in Norfolk. Her work forms a curious collection of faux bird nests, hedgerow rings, and papier-mâché illustrations, all rooted in a sense of wonder.Living in rural Norfolk, surrounded by farmland, marshes, and woodland, she explores footpaths and engages closely with the natural world. Ancient hedgerows, weathered trees, and the quiet details hidden within foliage inform her practice. Each piece reflects the textures, rhythms, and materials of this environment.

The Hedgerow Rings draw on the circular forms found in nature, alongside the repetitive, meditative processes of pre-industrial handcraft—particularly folk rug making—and the use of gathered, found materials.Rachel’s practice is also shaped by an interest in natural history collections. Her papier-mâché illustrations take inspiration from historical teaching models, taxidermy, and museum displays, reinterpreting these references through a contemporary, hand-made approach.

Biography

Rachel Studied at Norwich School of Art and later completed a BA (Hons) in Fine Art at Leeds Polytechnic, graduating in 1989. She worked at Green and Stone until 2015, while also studying Advanced Textiles at City Lit, London.

Now based in Norfolk, she went on to complete a Master’s in Curation at Norwich University of the Arts, including an internship at Sheringham Museum, where her work is now part of the collection. In 2019, she guest curated Folk Art: Time On Our Hands.

She is a partner at The Jade Tree artist co-operative, with a studio on Elm Hill in Norwich. Her practice explores rural folk art, natural history collections, and the relationship between nature, heritage, and AI.