I've always been interested in the theatrical nature of drawing and its ability to highlight and manipulate form. Growing up in a family of classical musicians and performers, I was exposed to a variety of theatrical environments from a young age, including looming sets, dramatic lighting, costumes, and masks, as well as exaggerated personalities that blurred the lines between emotion displayed on and off stage. In my work, I like to consider my own relationship with performance by making surreal moments of emotion, often reflected through characters in abstract or obscured states. I enjoy the relationship drawing has to empty space, and how isolating the medium in different ways on the page can build visual weight and balance. Horror and science fiction imagery has also greatly inspired my work, especially in 50’s film and television, and I pull personalities from these genres to use as markers of anxiety, uncertainty, and awe.

Eliot Rattle, born in the UK, moved to San Francisco in 1997. In 2008, he attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York where his drawing and painting would develop alongside his interest in film history. During this time, he completed a year-long program in Florence, Italy, where his exposure to Italian film and portraiture brought the face to the forefront of his work. In 2013, he attended San Francisco Art Institute, where he began to expand his work outside of portraits. Eliot Rattle has shown work in the Bay Area and abroad, including shows in Italy and London, recently completing artist residencies at the Journal Building and with Upper Market Gallery in San Francisco.