Meet The Artist Behind MoonPerl

CommunityBusiness

Mar 23

“I had only recently truly come to terms with being a disabled artist, so to be made to feel like my voice AND my struggle to be where I am today meant absolutely nothing, completely broke my already fragile spirit.” - Rachel Perlman on her response to a potential customer offering an insulting amount for an original piece.

Get to know Rachel Perlman, the artist behind MoonPerl and learn about the importance of treating artists with respect, because you never know what someone is going through.

Photo of Rachel of MoonPerl with her original artwork

Tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Rachel, early childhood educator and sole artist/creator of MoonPerl. I've been creating art since I could hold a pencil (not to brag, but won my first art competition at 5...won a pack of fake rings!) I have been active in the Chicago music/art/DIY scene for about 15 years, including running a DIY venue, Caliwaukee. I made custom covid-masks for anyone who needed them the past few years, gotta stay safe in style!

I LOVE reading, baking, Parks and Rec, and warm weather! I spend most of my time with my partner and his daughter, often crafting together as a family, when we're not at a park, pretend camping in our living room, or watching Encanto.

Tell me a little about your overall health journey and challenges it’s posed.

I was diagnosed with brain cancer 4 years ago, which ultimately led to me being considered Disabled, as well as completely derailed everything I knew. To be honest, I’m still mourning the old me, and have been finding my way back to a new me and a new normal ever since. I have since had to quit teaching, and completely relearn how to navigate my creative process with hands that often don't work, eyes/brain that can't focus on anything, fatigue that sometimes requires me to sleep the rest of the day. The list of challenges goes on. I never know what each day will be like or what I will or won’t be capable of. But, that’s just the way of things now, and I've learned to just take it one day a time, while continuing to move forward.

How long have you been creating art?

I have been creating my whole life; it was the one thing that was my own. No one could tell me how I should or shouldn't do it. Creating let me express myself through all the ups and downs of life and feel heard, even if I was the only one who knew what some artworks were about.

What is your background (education, previous jobs and/or experiences) that led you to create?

I worked in the service industry for over a decade. Due to societal pressure, I felt I had to find a career that I would be passionate about, but would also pay the bills, and thus, I became a preschool teacher. I studied Early Childhood educator with a minor in visual arts and made sure to learn through my school how to best incorporate all of the arts into daily teaching.

Kids thrive when learning creatively and in a hands on format. It was so inspiring to see kids creating and thriving in their own unique ways, without anyone telling them what they could or couldn't do, and just encouraging them to be themselves! Fun fact: Art is also a child’s first form of literacy.

Combining my love of art and my passion for working with kids was an absolute dream! I taught for nine wonderful years until brain cancer halted things. It certainly doesn't mean I'm done inspiring young artists!

Color Block Pop Tab Earrings by MoonPerl

What led you to start your business?

I actually initially started my business by selling jewelry. I was taking care of my mom and needed something to keep my hands busy while sitting with her, so I began making necklaces. Once she was better, I realized I had no need for almost 100 necklaces and needed to do something with them! So, I started selling different items I had crafted, as well as original artwork.

Over the years, and once my hands stopped working well on a regular basis, it was a no brainer to begin making prints, stickers, and buttons. This allowed me to still create even on days when my hands wouldn’t cooperate, but also make art affordable to everyone no matter their financial circumstance. I don’t believe art should be out of reach for anyone, no matter what your financial situation is. I honestly just love sharing my voice, and journey with others and the sheer joy of unexpectedly connecting with strangers over common interests, journeys, and passions!

You shared on social media after a recent art show that someone telling you to lower your prices really got to you and had you considering taking a break from art, can you summarize that experience and its impact?

At a gallery opening of mine, this person raved about loving an original piece I had drawn and that they absolutely HAD to have it. But they refused to pay more than half of what I asked for it, and insinuated that it would never sell at my asking price. Without knowing me or my history as an artist, they let me know that as a new artist I should sell a bunch of my cheap pieces I don't care about for about $10 (because don't all all artists just create things we don't care about even though it’s our passion, just to make a quick buck?). They persisted in telling me that I needed to really learn the ropes of being an artist despite frequently telling them art was not a new endeavor for me.

The gist of our conversation was them letting me know my art was worthless (even though they LOVED the piece?), and that they were all-knowing when it comes to art because they have expensive “real” art hanging in their apartment, and they know people in the art world.They ended it with “when that piece doesn’t sell because its too expensive, I’ve got your $30 for ya”.

I barely slept that night because in just a few minutes, a complete stranger drove home that I’m not worth anything. I had only recently truly come to terms with being a disabled artist, so to be made to feel like my voice AND my struggle to be where I am today meant absolutely nothing, completely broke my already fragile spirit. I am still working on climbing back out from this single experience.

How does unsolicited criticism and negative feedback affect your art practice?

To talk like that to an artist (or at the very least, a person you don’t even know), especially without even knowing their story, is beyond harmful. It can dampen your voice because what’s the point of making it heard of it’s not worthwhile? That’s definitely how it’s left me feeling since. I haven't really felt much like creating as of late, but I'm working towards changing that. My advice? If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything.

What does making art mean to you?

Art has always been my voice. It has helped me express my thoughts and feelings since I was a kid and still does to this day. Over the past few years it has also become a healing tool in more ways than one. Not only did it help in actually healing from brain surgery learning to use my hands again and how to focus on anything for more than 5 minutes, but it has also been an emotional healing tool as well.

What is one or two of your favorite projects you've done?

A few years ago I joined some of my fellow Chicago artist friends in producing a live show at Township they started called "The Ghost Planet". We wrote the show together, created the set pieces together, and recruited artists of varying art practices to each have their own 5 minute slot. It was peak creativity, political commentary, news updates, comedy, and so much more. Together we put together a monthly show that was more fun and ridiculous than the last (in the best possible way). It was such an amazing experience working together on something so unique that had parts of each of our voice attached to it, and meeting other artists in the community who came to see each show.

My second favorite project is probably the art I have been creating in general over the past few years. Is it the most elaborate art I’ve ever created? Not exactly, but it has given me the tools to heal, and share my experience and journey in ways that I never would have been able to otherwise. It has allowed me to find pieces of myself again, while also encouraging others to learn to let go of what no longer serves them anymore, and to keep moving and healing in whatever way works for them.

How do you think patrons of art can be better supporters to artists?

If you can’t afford someones art whether it’s $5 or $500, that’s okay! Talk to the artist about what you like about their work. You have no idea how valuable that is to hear words of encouragement and appreciation are! Share the artist’s work with others around you whether it’s talking about the artist’s work to people you know or posting their work and links to their work on social media. There are countless FREE ways to support artists, as well as, you know, actually buying their art. All forms of support are 100% welcome and appreciated.

What do you see as the value of collaborations like this one between MoonPerl and Lettering Works?

As artists, we truly are a community, and when we work together, that only strengthens that community and leads to more creative voices being heard. This collaboration in particular also helps to shed light on mental health and its importance in the art world.

As artists, many of us wear our feelings for, well, everyone to see. There’s really no masking it, and for that it’s even more important to make sure we take care of ourselves first before giving out our voice to others. When we lean on each other and work together, we can only strengthen that message and continue to let others know, you're not alone, you matter. Also, Chelsie is absolutely great at her craft!

A Pep Talk from Rachel

It's okay to take a breath and step away to process for a minute. I don’t care if today is your first day creating, or thousandth, never EVER let someone tell you that your voice has no value. Never stop creating. Put yourself out there time and time again. Your art matters, your voice matters. Claim your worth, and don’t let the Art-Nay-Sayers tell you otherwise!

And, when something similar to my situation does happen, voice it, type it, speak it, sing it, draw it…however you express yourself, let these folks know that it is not okay to treat fellow human beings this way. Mental Health is SO very important, and it is okay to lean on your community when life kicks you down. Your people will show up, and if they don't, hit me up, and I'll be there for you, because no one goes it alone.