Rachel Nord is an Australian/German artist based in Berlin whose multidisciplinary practice spans sound, poetry, photography, and participatory works. Rooted in her background as an art therapist, her recent work explores themes of connection, biodiversity, and healing.
Rachel has followed an unconventional path as an artist—one shaped by health limitations, but sustained by an unwavering commitment to creativity and care. She began as a photographic artist, a journey that first led her to Berlin. When chronic pain forced her to set photography aside, she turned toward art therapy—drawn by a fascination with how creative expression can facilitate healing and flourishing. Over the next seven years, she worked as a creativity coach and art therapist, supporting others to flourish through the arts. In 2021, she successfully crowdfunded and opened The Space for Creative Change, a community arts and therapy space dedicated to healing and connection through creativity.
She was fortunate at this time to attend two consecutive artist residencies at UNIDEE in Biella, Italy. Focused on socially engaged art practices, these residencies had a profound impact on her approach to art.
When post-COVID chronic health issues made continued client work impossible, Rachel returned to her own artistic practice. At the same time, she was grappling with the emotional toll of the climate and ecological crisis. Seeking resilience and meaning and a broader impact through her work, she immersed herself in teachings from Joanna Macy, the Climate Psychology Alliance and Thich Nhat Hanh, amongst others.
With her background in art therapy, passion for arts-based research and in facilitating art-as-experience moments, Rachel brings a layered sensitivity and contemplative rigor to her projects. Her practice is grounded in slowness and care—for her themes, materials, her collaborators, and those her work may touch.
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