Rachel Glittenberg is an artist living in Notting Hill. She recently took the leap of faith and left her full-time job of 14 years to follow her passion for art. She has her first London gallery show coming up in September 2011 at The Ice House Gallery in Holland Park, W11. Rachel Glittenberg tells Nottinghillgate.co.uk about her Notting Hill.
What’s your earliest memory of Notting Hill Road?
The Carnival when I was about 18 yrs old. I wasn’t living in Notting Hill then and would visit every year with friends. I used to think how mad it was with all the different colours and sound systems blasting my senses from every angle! It has an amazing vibe. Nowhere else in London can you see anything that equals it. I love the variety of street dancing that goes on everywhere and the delicious jerk chicken and rice. And of course, the costumes!
What are you up to at the moment?
At the moment, I am writing my arts newsletter and designing a poster for my new exhibition.
What are you wearing at the moment?
I am wearing a black 80s dress from Portobello market with a bronzed glitter leaf motif on it. It’s my fav thing at the moment. I am an 80s girl.
What are your favourite shops?
I love the food shops. Mr Christian’s has a gorgeous deli and bread selection. I like Melt chocolate shop. Their chocolates do melt in the mouth and are divine! I also like dipping in to the art shop on Portobello Road to replenish stock and check out new materials to buy, and I am a regular visitor of the Spanish shop next door as they do a great chorizo. I can’t remember the name of it though.
What’s your latest find in Notting Hill?
A 6ft wide set of antique pine shelves. I love them and they were a bargain. I am going to get organised with my paperwork, when I finally get round to putting them up!
Favourite pubs and bars?
I rarely drink, but I do like the Ground Floor bar. The Westbourne is quite nice too for sitting outside on a hot day. Food wise, The Electric’s nice for lunch and the Thai Number One Café is a fab restaurant.
Your favourite cocktail?
Hmmm, can’t remember the name of it, it’s Brazilian and has lots of sugar, lime and rum in it – a favourite for holidays.
Your last kiss in Notting Hill?
Saying goodbye to a friend after a lovely evening eating out together.
Your favourite artists?
I love Cy Twombly, Turner, Monet, Willem de Kooning, Van Gogh, Motherwell, Matisse, most of the Abstract Expressionists!
Your fashion heroes?
I love Chloe Slevigney’s kooky style but I don’t take too much notice of the fashion world to be honest. I think style is innate and it doesn’t really matter what you wear.
The last place you visited in Notting Hill?
Tom’s Diner on Westbourne Grove with friends for lunch.
The last film you saw in Notting Hill?
Well, if you count my home, then The Rope, by Alfred Hitchcock. Such a classic. Out and about, the last film I saw was Inception.
Favourite season in Notting Hill?
Summer, always, I love the sunny, laid back vibe of Notting Hill. The market is thriving and there are different music and food stalls everywhere enticing you in. It has a fabulous feel to it. There are also loads of lovely stores on Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road.
What do you love about Notting Hill?
The variety of people, it’s cheeky character and charm, it’s art scene and the general buzz of the place.
Notting Hill in one word?
Vibrant.
Can you reveal any famous customers who have been into your shop / business?
I sell mainly online, from my studio open days or exhibiting in various places. Maybe famous people have looked at my work, but I wouldn’t know.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I am loving a mixture on my i-pod; Jimi Hendrix, The The, Paloma Faith, Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, Kings of Leon.
Three things you can’t live without?
My paints, my new moisturiser and my husband, not in any particular order!
Favourite part of Notting Hill? Ooh, it has to be the vintage market under the flyover and that part of Portobello Road as I love the junk stalls and antique shops.
Do you Tweet?
Yes, regularly. You can find me @RachelsGallery
How do you keep fit?
I pray and meditate to keep mentally fit. Physically, I walk everywhere and try to do at least one hour every day.
What is your Notting Hill secret?
It is going to have to be the Thai Number One Café. I hope I haven’t booked myself out of a table now. The food is gorgeous and it is very cheap!
What makes Notting Hill special to you?
The sunny disposition of it’s inhabitants, the arts scene and all the amazing galleries around here. I am very spoilt. Oh, and the variety of good local restaurants and delis.
You can see Rachel Glittenberg's work by visiting her website.
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