RACHAEL JONES - Artist-Filmmaker & Researcher
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Rachael Jones is an artist-filmmaker and researcher whose practice has expanded to involve collaborators and participants in the filmmaking process. Some of these participants are objects, both natural and constructed. As a result, her films are made up of multiple interactions and assemblages.
Rachael makes films that are process-driven and reliant on collaboration. She is interested in engaging with what can come out of the process of research, making and conversational exchanges. As a result, her films retain traces of making through process and participation and are alive with ideas and meaning that is open to interpretation.
@rjonesfilms
www.rjonesfilms.com
1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I am currently in the final stages of a practice-based PhD, so my answer will probably be that in (hopefully) just under a year! But definitely what has led me to engage in the work I am doing is an ongoing achievement, and that is self-believe and a sense of conviction that it’s what I should be doing.
2. What motivates you to do what you do?
Probably knowing through experience that it’s the only thing I want to do. I spent a long time working in hospitality (and briefly in an office – even worse!) before realising I was an artist, so I know what the alternative is like.
3. What do you owe your mother?
I owe her my creativity, imagination and silliness. Also cooking skills, which I’ve only recently started appreciating.
4. Which women inspire you and why?
Most women inspire me, but the ones that stand out are the ones who are brave with their creativity, like Audre Lorde, Mary Oliver, Margaret Tait and Robin Wall Kimmerer (those are the first that come to mind). I’m not sure if it’s because of my own expanding interests but I’ve come across more and more women who are tuning into the natural world in their work. I find it admirable, inspiring and political, but also probably necessary for ourselves and the planet.
5. What are you reading?
I have two books that I’m dipping into: Modern Nature by Derek Jarman and Sensuous Knowledge by Minna Salami.
6. What gender barriers have you had to hurdle?
Probably loads but I don’t think I was so aware of them when I was younger. Looking back, I found it difficult to speak up and make my voice heard. I thought I didn’t have anything interesting to say and was shy. I reckon this was to do with gender combined with my personality and school, so it’s difficult to untangle but probably all-together infused by a gender imbalance.
The filmmaking industry is a historically misogynist place and that’s probably why I decided to dive into my own creative artistic filmmaking practice rather than work in a difficult environment. I remember directing a music video a number of years ago and feeling very self-conscious that my directing style was maybe “too nice” and that I didn’t want to throw my weight around and shout at people! A friend of mine at the time told me that being nice isn’t a weakness, rather it’s a strength and that people would probably respect me more for creating a good atmosphere on set. That was great advice and listening to it definitely paid off.
7. How can the world be made a better place for women?
More attention to care and kindness with less competition and aggression can help build a stronger society which would benefit everyone. Also acknowledging that the western world is designed to favour the male rhythm – as women we work on monthly cycles that mean we feel differently at different times during the month due to what’s going on in our bodies. Most of us push through the low energy and discomfort which isn’t ideal and probably not good for us. As a society we need to redefine how we measure productivity and allow for it to include rest.
8. Describe your perfect day?
In the summer, probably a good walk followed by a sea swim and reading a book on the beach afterwards. In the winter curling up and watching a good film with a bag of crisps.
9. We've noticed there really aren't many (if any) statues of women around Cornwall - who would you like to see remembered?
That’s a tricky one, maybe a lesser-known woman from history – someone’s great aunt maybe?! Then women can see themselves reflected in someone who was a member of that community.
10. Give us a tip?
I like to squeeze some lemon in my water as it makes it taste better so I drink more and get a bonus hit of vitamin C!
