Artist Rachell Mathis sells her work at festivals, Small Business Saturday
Story & Photos By
LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent
Sol Eclectica is a new local Wakulla County inspired art business owned by Rachell Mathis of Sopchoppy.
Mathis is locally known for her Annual Art Contest award in 2018 for her contribution to the Worm Grunting Festival T-shirt. Mathis’ worm art was again on the town on T-shirts everywhere in 2023 with a different charismatic worm T-shirt graphic.
The word Eclectica is one who uses a method or approach that is composed of elements drawn from various sources: one who uses an eclectic method or approach.
“All of my work is a little different, different creative processes and styles,” explains Mathis. “This approach gives me more freedom as an artist and I am not stuck doing one thing, I am not obligated to one thing, it is freedom art.”
“Sol” translated from Spanish is the word “sun.”
“The sun incorporates some light in my work, be it the sun or moon, light bounces off something in the picture,” she says. “The sun is also representative of Jesus’s light, I wouldn’t of known I had the talent I do without the light of Jesus to show me. I incorporate the light of Jesus in all my paintings.”
Mathis also works for Wakulla County Parks and Recreation – you can see her working outside at numerous county parks.
“I draw inspiration from working at the parks, I am lucky to work at Mashes Sands Beach, Dickerson Bay for instance, I have scenery within my own county to create beautiful work, I mean, it’s already there!”
Mathis is also active within Wakulla’s community, this summer she will be painting with the Wakulla County UF/IFAS summer camp. In addition to sharing her talent with 4-H summer campers, Mathis donated a portion of her Wakulla Worm Grunting poster art to Wakulla Giving Hands, a local food charity. “Every sale from posters will continue, even after the Worm Grunting Festival is over.”, said Mathis.
Rachell Mathis incorporates Wakulla Springs in her art titled “Wakulla Woman.” This painting has a mysterious woman paddling down the Wakulla River. Mathis said, “This one represents the Wakulla Springs River, I imagine what it would have looked like 200 years ago.”
Mathis also illuminates Sopchoppy’s small businesses by incorporating them into her art as well.
“I stopped by Petal Wings Garden Center in Sopchoppy to enjoy the tranquil butterfly sanctuary, the artwork was inspired by the beautiful Monarch butterflies (business owner) Sonia has given life and refuge to.”
“When I paint something personal for someone, I take the time to pray over the task and ask for guidance before each piece of work. You’re not just getting a piece of art, you’re getting a piece of my soul. Each piece is unique for each person, but I always pray a blessing for you in each painting I create,” says Mathis.
“My favorites are when I get to go crazy with every color on the spectrum and put it all into one picture. I also want to mention my colleague, Leila Creech. Leila was the one who pushed me and coached me through the entire process of building my business; she has been paramount to Sol Eclectica. She would ask me at least twice a week, “did you get your LLC yet? You need to do that!”, said Rachell of her friend.
Rachell shared, “I love my Sopchoppy, I adore Sopchoppy, and I’ll do anything for Sopchoppy. When it is all said and done, at the end of the day, I want to make my sweet grandma Myra Mathis happy.”
Sol Eclectica is comprised of fantasy art, natural landscapes, native wildlife and fun charismatic characters, all representative of something special and dear to me.” Sol Eclectica has a Facebook page and can be found at Small Business Saturday in Crawfordville and the upcoming Blue Crab Festival in May in Panacea. Mathis also takes special requests.
“I appreciate the support the members of the Wakulla Community has provided me by each piece of art.”
