SITI Girl Pittsburgh aims to highlight powerful stories of women who inspire change, challenge norms, and shape their communities. In this edition, we introduce Rachel, an artist whose journey from business school to creating evocative, purpose-driven art captures the essence of resilience, self-expression, and advocacy.
Reframing Beauty
Rachel’s story starts with her admiration for pageantry—a spectator sport she grew up watching the way some families enjoy football. Despite her appreciation for the craft, Rachel’s life journey took her in a different direction, weaving art, social justice, and personal growth into her narrative.
Her relationship with modeling—a world that both intrigued and challenged her—speaks to her internal struggle with self-definition. “Last year, I sent my photos to a few agencies, and they responded positively,” Rachel shared. “But the terms didn’t align with my values. For instance, they wanted me to straighten my hair, which clashed with my identity and heritage.” This turning point reaffirmed Rachel’s commitment to authentic self-expression.
The Artist Emerges
Rachel’s art is deeply personal and symbolic. Her current series, Ancestor, explores facets of her Black identity. One striking piece, titled Just Like My Daddy, honors her grandfather’s legacy as a Bahamian musician and free diver. Constructed from eclectic materials including amethyst, hematite, volcanic rock, and black pearls, the sculpture symbolizes his spirituality, connection to the islands, and generational impact.
“The color purple, which dominates the piece, represents the unknown, unseen, and the challenge to trust what is seen/ what we can see. My grandfather’s story is something I’ve pieced together over time,” Rachel explained. “He was an extraordinary man I never got to know fully, and this piece bridges that gap.”
Another artwork, Victory in the Margins, features an abstract watercolor of the Cathedral of Learning paired with Rachel’s silhouette. It critiques Pittsburgh’s racial disparities and envisions a city where marginalized bodies are centered and celebrated.
From Fear to Freedom
Rachel’s artistic journey wasn’t linear. A perfectionist, she initially hesitated to share her work, fearing judgment and comparison. But her daily practice of creating “wake-and-make” art helped her overcome this fear. “I make something every day, no matter how small or imperfect,” she said. “This ritual reminds me that creation is an act of courage, not perfection…I’ve always been a overly responsive to my fears, and for me, the act of documenting my daily practice in creation has been hugely therapeutic – approximately eight months into this ritual I recall thinking (for maybe the first time ever) that I love not knowing what tomorrow looks like. ”
Rachel’s commitment to sustainability is another hallmark of her work. She sources materials from thrift stores and repurposes them, marrying environmental responsibility with artistic ingenuity.
Advocacy Through Art
Rachel’s artistic pursuits are intertwined with her advocacy for racial equity. Her partnership with her husband, Ron Idoko, who founded the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, has amplified this mission. While this is “Ron’s baby”, they work together to navigate the intersections of art, activism, and education, fostering meaningful dialogue and systemic change in multiple areas of their lives.
“Art is a vehicle for healing and understanding,” Rachel reflected. “It’s about creating space for conversations that challenge us to see the world—and each other—more compassionately.”
The Road Ahead
With her first gallery paycheck in hand and a piece set to be displayed at the August Wilson Center, Rachel is stepping boldly into 2025. Her plans include applying to Barrel and Flow Fest and continuing her Ancestor Now series. She will also be competing in the 2025 winter festival art competition hosted by the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum.
Rachel’s story exemplifies the transformative power of embracing one’s true self. Through her art, she not only redefines what it means to be an artist but also inspires others to find their voice and purpose. As Rachel aptly put it, “Making art every day is my way of honoring the privilege of self-expression and the legacy of those who came before me.”
Leave a Comment