Rachel loves the things she paints, she is drawn to them not just for their visual appeal but on an emotional level also. The poet Pablo Neruda shares her love, his words explain the attraction and significance of the worn surfaces which connect not only Rachel with the things she paints but the viewer with both the things and with Rachel.

These sensitive paintings are faithful to the object before her and painting from life, each reflective surface reveals the trace of the artist in her mirrored image; temporary evidence of her touch on the life of the thing.

I love
all
things,
not because they are
passionate
or sweet smelling
but because,
I don’t know,
because
this ocean is yours,
and mine:
these buttons
and wheels
and little
forgotten
treasures,
fans upon
whose feathers
love has scattered
its blossoms,
glasses, knives and
scissors –
all bear
the trace
of someone’s fingers
on their handle or surface,
the trace of a distant hand
lost
in the depths of forgetfulness.

The fourth stanza from Ode to Things by Pablo Neruda.