"Wet Leather II" is a darkroom silver gelatin photograph by Monterey, CA based artist Rachell Hester. This sensual photo features an upclose and personal view of Wakame Kelp. The shine off of the kelp leaves exudes a silky surface like leather.
"Wet Leather II" comes with a contemporary black wood frame with an archival white mat and low-glare museum glass. Artwork measurements are: Unframed: 14"w x 10"h | Framed: 21.25" w x 17.25" h.
Wet Leather II - Rachell Hester
Rachell Hester is a Monterey based artist and educator. Hester holds a BA in Visual and Public Art from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and her MFA from San José State University. Hester maintains an art studio practice that focuses on both painting and darkroom photography.
Hester has participated in many group and solo art shows, as well as community art projects. A selection of Hester’s artworks created in the CSU Summer Arts program were displayed in the CSU Chancellor's Office 2014, 2017, and 2018. Hester was a lead painting assistant for the Vision Mural in 2014 and she painted finishing details for the CAHSS Skylight Mural in 2019 on CSUMB campus. Hester received two Weston Collective awards in the Roman Loranc Fine Art Photography category in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, Hester’s film photography was displayed at the Pacific Grove Art Center in a solo show, Between Here and There. During her Master’s education, Hester was awarded the 2022 Murphy and Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition in San Francisco at SOMArts Cultural Center. Hester held an Artist in Residence at the American Tin Cannery in Pacific Grove. Hester was also a recipient of the Local Emerging Artist Program (LEAP) Grant from the Arts Council for Monterey County.
In addition to her art studio practice, Hester is passionate about sharing her skills with others. Hester has assisted in various art, photography, and engineering classes for a variety of ages from third graders to adults. Currently, Hester is the Makerspace Coordinator for CSUMB’s Library Makerspace where she provides training and guidance in creative projects for undergraduate students.