Rachel Rothberg, a painter and tattoo artist based in Bellingham, Washington, draws significant influence from nature, particularly birds, in her art. A graduate of Western Washington University, Rothberg holds both a BA and a BFA in fine arts with an emphasis on painting, along with a minor in biology. She is a part of the Curlew Collective, an artistic group based in downtown Bellingham.
Rothberg’s fascination with the natural world traces back to her early academic pursuits. Initially drawn to ecology and ornithology, she had aspirations to study birds professionally before ultimately pursuing painting. Despite this shift, the ecological themes she intended to explore through science have remained central to her work.
“I’ve always been inspired by nature, especially birds,” Rothberg said. “The Dutch master painters of the 1800s often depicted dead birds in their works, but I approach this subject with empathy. My art focuses on birds not as trophies but as individuals with inherent value.”
A unique aspect of Rothberg’s work is her “bird memorials.” As an avid bird watcher, she has developed a ritualistic process for memorializing birds she finds deceased. This practice speaks to her concern about the broader ecological crises affecting bird populations.
“When I find a dead bird, I feel a deep need to honor it as an individual,” Rothberg explained. “I want people to see these birds and feel the weight of the ecological losses we’re experiencing. It’s a way to encourage people to care about these losses by first caring about the birds as individuals.”
Rothberg’s process involves collecting birds she finds in nature, often placing them in more natural settings before photographing them. She arranges native and cultivated plants around the bird, creating a reverent “burial” scene. She then projects the image onto a large canvas and recreates it with meticulous care, focusing on the emotional and meditative aspects of the work.
In addition to her painting, Rothberg is a full-time tattoo artist. She began tattooing after graduating and discovered that it allowed her to work on her own creative projects while providing financial stability. Notably, her love of birds has resonated with many of her tattoo clients, as bird tattoos are a popular choice.
“Tattooing has enabled me to continue my artistic journey,” she said. “There’s a unique connection when people want birds tattooed on their bodies. It’s a reminder that there’s a strong demand for art that people can carry with them.”
For those interested in seeing Rothberg’s work in person, some of her large-scale paintings will be displayed at the Mount Baker Theater in Bellingham. These paintings, often as large as six feet in height, are difficult to display in conventional gallery spaces. In March, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra will showcase Rothberg’s bird-inspired works in connection with a concert featuring bird songs.
Rothberg’s art continues to bridge the gap between personal expression and environmental advocacy, offering a space for viewers to reflect on the profound relationship between humans and the natural world.
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