Racheal Dsouza is an emerging freelance mural artist based in Goa. Raised in the picturesque village of Moira, she completed her education at St. Thomas Convent School in Aldona before moving on to St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School in Mapusa. In 2019, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
From a young age, Racheal exhibited a deep interest in creativity. “I was always scribbling, doodling, and crafting things. Back then, I had no idea this would become my career,” she recalls. Inspired by a remarkable art teacher, Racheal initially aimed to become an educator herself. However, her perspective shifted during her college years as she engaged in extracurricular activities and began winning competitions. “Selling my first small paintings boosted my confidence tremendously,” she says, adding that she served as the decor head for a national inter-college event called ‘Wordsup.’ “That was the moment I realized, ‘Wow, I’m good at this.’”
With encouragement from her family and friends, Racheal soon ventured into mural painting, completing several projects before graduating. She honed her skills at Pyde Pyper Art Academy, where she learned the intricacies of the art world. “Initially, I felt nervous about not having a formal art degree, but I believe this is exactly how my journey was meant to unfold, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.”
Racheal believes that contemporary artists enjoy greater recognition than their predecessors. “Social media has been instrumental in showcasing my work to a broader audience. Painting feels like an escape; it’s incredibly therapeutic for me. While I appreciate all forms of painting, murals hold a special significance in my heart. There’s immense satisfaction in seeing a breathtaking piece of art on a wall,” she shares.
Creating large-scale murals involves extensive planning and design, a process that requires both creativity and physical endurance. “Climbing ladders and scaffolds can be taxing, but signing my work at the end makes it all worthwhile,” she notes.
When Racheal began her artistic journey, she lacked a specific goal. “I was uncertain about how my art career would develop. My faith kept me grounded, and hard work brought me to where I am today. Initially, my only aim was to have fun and give my best,” she reflects.
“Having no plan has been my best strategy,” Racheal continues. “It has opened various avenues for me. While I take pride in my accomplishments so far, I look forward to expanding my art beyond Goa and exploring new mediums. I’m particularly eager to establish my own art studio. I believe in the mantra: Grow and help grow.”
Racheal acknowledges that the abundance of art can sometimes lead to self-doubt, but she firmly believes in the unique power of artistic expression. “Art is a beautiful and distinctive voice, a means to convey feelings or simply exist,” she explains.
Her message to aspiring artists is clear: “If you have the drive to create, don’t let anything hold you back. Dedicate yourself to the process and showcase your work. Remember, you were made to create.”
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