Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Worden
Hi Rachel , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was working in the corporate world, working long hours in a high-stress environment. While the work was rewarding in some ways, it left me feeling drained. In 2019, I began woodworking and painting as a way to center myself and release the built-up tension I was carrying. The process became a form of therapy, a way to exhale that held breath of stress.
Then, in 2020, COVID hit—and unexpectedly, that period of isolation sparked something in me. With everyone working from home, I found myself with more time to paint, since I wasn’t spending two hours commuting every day. That extra time allowed me to tap into a deeper creative flow, and I discovered that my painting could truly come alive. I’m a self-taught artist, and my work is driven by feeling and energy rather than structure or planning. I rarely have a complex explanation for my pieces—often, it’s simply the energy of the moment flowing through me onto the canvas.
In September 2021, my world shifted again when I gave birth to my daughter. We had concerns during my pregnancy, but it wasn’t until after her birth that we truly understood the challenges ahead. She spent 43 days in the NICU, and we were told she wasn’t hitting her milestones. At 15 months old, she was diagnosed with KAT6B Syndrome—a rare genetic mutation affecting only about 150 people worldwide. A few months later, we also learned she has CVI (Cortical Visual Impairment), a brain-based visual impairment.
This new chapter has been a journey of growth for both me and my husband, not just as parents, but as artists. Our daughter’s condition has reshaped the way we approach our work. For me, it’s no only about expressing myself freely on the canvas—it is also about creating in a way that connects with her. With CVI, what she sees needs to be simplified, with minimal shapes and colors. So now, when we paint, we’re always focused on engaging her, watching for a smile or some sign of recognition when she looks at our work.
It’s been a challenging and humbling experience, but also a deeply rewarding one. Our art has become an extension of our love for her, and finding ways to communicate with her through visual art has given us a new sense of purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a bumpy road. Balancing a demanding corporate career with the challenges of being a mother to a child with special needs has been anything but easy. When my daughter was born, it became clear that she required my full attention—especially after her lengthy stay in the NICU and the ongoing medical needs that followed. That reality forced me to step away from the corporate world entirely and put my painting on pause for a while.
It’s only been recently that I’ve been able to carve out time again to paint and reconnect with the therapeutic power of art. It’s been refreshing to pick up the brush again, and even more rewarding to challenge myself in new ways so that our daughter can also engage with art. Creating with her in mind—making pieces she can connect with—has become a deeply meaningful part of my process.
But it hasn’t been without its struggles. The most challenging aspect has been the constant need to stop and start. There are times when I get a glimpse of the creative flow, only to have to pause because of other responsibilities, or because of a shift in my daughter’s health. It can be creatively draining, and the desire to continue often wanes when I’m pulled in so many directions.
However, as my daughter’s health has improved, I’ve been able to find moments for self-reflection and healing through painting. It’s been a deeply cathartic experience, allowing me to process my emotions in ways I hadn’t before. In many ways, painting has become a form of emotional release and a way to rediscover a sense of balance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a painter and a woodworker, and my work is deeply influenced by my life experiences, particularly the challenges my family and I have faced. My painting medium of choice is acrylic, and I focus on creating intuitive, energy-driven pieces. I don’t always have a planned concept when I begin—most of the time, it’s about feeling and letting the brush move with the energy I’m experiencing. While I primarily focus on painting, I also dabble in woodworking, creating some wall pieces and furniture for our home. I love experimenting with different textures and styles, and I find the two art forms complement each other in interesting ways.
One thing I’m especially proud of is my work outside of traditional art—specifically, the tools I’ve created to help children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), including my daughter. After she was diagnosed, I made it my mission to learn everything I could about CVI, which is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Early intervention is critical, so I started developing early learning tools like alphabet, numbers and colors books, flashcards, coloring books, and stickers—designed specifically for children with CVI. These tools are simple and accessible, using one image per page on a solid black background to meet the visual needs of children with this condition.
It’s been a labor of love, but seeing my daughter engage with these tools and being able to access the information just like a typically developing child is incredibly rewarding. I’ve also received messages from parents and therapists thanking me for creating these resources, and that feedback is priceless. It’s something I’m immensely proud of, because it’s making a tangible difference.
In addition to my art, I volunteer for the KAT6 Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for KAT6B Syndrome—another part of our family’s journey. I’ve recently helped launch a new line of shop products for Rare Disease Day and manage the foundation’s LinkedIn presence. It’s been fulfilling to contribute in this way and to connect with others who are navigating similar challenges.
What sets me apart, I think, is the deep connection my work has to both my personal experiences and the needs of my daughter. Whether it’s through painting, woodworking, or creating educational tools for children with CVI, everything I do is shaped by a desire to bring healing and support to those around me. It’s about making art and resources that are not just beautiful or functional, but meaningful.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family, hands down. Everything I do—whether it’s creating art, developing tools for children with CVI, or volunteering—stems from my desire to support and connect with my family. My daughter’s health journey has given me a deeper appreciation for the time we have together, and it has shaped my priorities in ways I never imagined. My family is my source of inspiration, strength, and motivation. They are the heart of everything I create and everything I strive for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelworden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwordenstudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-worden-b160685a/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/worden_books/
Image Credits
Rachel & Jeff Worden
