Rachael Nerney Reese is a painter, muralist, and illustration designer who earned a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2013. Her artwork captures fleeting moments through vibrant color, light, and pattern. Rachael finds inspiration in the everyday magic of food, color, and connection. Known for her joyful brushwork and love of all things food, she turns tabletops into works of art. In “Set the Table” she captures the warmth of shared meals, from sunny breakfasts and weekend brunches to cozy desserts and late-night bites. Every scene is a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the beauty of a well-set table. 

Q:   It’s clear from your work that you love food and table settings but where did this love of food come from?

A:  My love of food directly stems from my family. My parents have always prioritized home cooked meals. All of our family’s large gatherings center around an abundance of food. I think that the process of cooking and sharing food around the table is the purest way to connect and show love. 

Q:  In fact, you worked as the in-house artist and sign maker for Whole Foods Market for four years. Can you tell us about that experience?

A:  Right after I graduated from SCAD with my BFA in Illustration, I worked as an in-house store artist for Whole Foods Market. There I expanded upon my graphic design skills, built 3D displays out of foam board, and created large-scale chalkboards and paintings for store decor. This is when I began painting food – what I am currently known for. I painted fruits and vegetables on black chalkboards, windows, and even the floor with paint markers. It was SO much fun playing with scales and painting so many different things. Reflecting upon my four years there, I am grateful for all the skill the store artist position taught me. Most importantly I learned project management and how to work with others as a creative person in a non-creative environment.

Q:  Do you have a foodie dream travel destination? 

A:  At the moment it is Japan. Living on the coast has grown my love of seafood and I am a sucker for sushi and stationary. I am dying to experience a completely different food culture. 

Q:  Can you tell us a bit about the materials you use? What is your favorite painting medium and why?

A:  I create original paintings inspired by tablescapes, still lifes, and food. Through my artwork I am purposefully pursuing my passion for the intersection of culinary and fine art. I am inspired deeply by eating through the seasons and learning where our food comes from. My reference images are sources from cookbooks, meals with my loved ones, and my friends' food related instagrams stories. This method offers a personal, unique perspective that is as fleeting as the meal itself. From there I usually select either composition of subject matter as a launching point for my paintings. I work mostly on paper or canvas with acrylic and mixed mediums. I believe these painting methods best capture my love of culinary delights because it is deeply personal, sensual, and accessible. I like the immediacy of acrylic. I love how it allows me to build layers and textures because it dries quickly. 

A:  Do you have a favorite piece in the collection you created for Set the Table? 

Q:  The dimensional pancake piece (Title TBD)! This summer I accepted the opportunity of a lifetime - a week long stay in the tranquil woods of Dahlonega, GA at @theriverhouse.arts ❣️ Surrounded by the Etowah River and 5 acres of woods, the settings ambiance was breathtaking. There I had ample time to play with new methods of working and experimented with new forms of collage in my work. This painting best captures the results of this playful studio time.