Interview Series (3)

Getting inside the minds of creative people. Today: Rachel Cobb, aka Rae / aka: Autumn Hair...

..I continue with a nice interview getting to know the creative life of a certain performance artist / dear friend of mine. She is currently writing her dissertation and splits her time between Leeds and London. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did..


1.How do you start your day?
Almost every morning, my cat, Rufus, wakes me. He will knock on my door until I let him in, or, purr loudly in my face and try to lick my neck. I proceed to the kitchen and feed him, then race into the shower to get out of the cold. I shower every morning otherwise I can’t function for the day. I have a black tea and peanut butter on toast most days whilst I decide what to wear. I rarely wear make up so can be ready to leave the house within an hour of waking up.

2. What/ Who inspires you?
I thought long and hard about this answer, and I feel in light of all the terrible things that have happened in Japan it made me thin of the disastrous earthquake that happened in Haiti. Since I was 15, my dad and me have both been helping with charities that help Haitian refuges in the Dominican Republic. My last visit really inspired me. Their incredible attitude towards life is just admirable and meeting them was so humbling.

3. Your guilty pleasure?
I think it’s no secret to anyone who knows me that soaps, especially Eastenders, are my absolute weakness. This one is a bit more embarrassing, but I honestly love historic novels, Philippa Gregory is my favourite author of this kind. It’s a shame they ruined her book with The Other Boleyn Girl by making it into a film. I also love all things Tudor, actually anything to do with the Royal family. Ha.
4. How do you unwind?
Not wanting to sound cliché but cooking and having a nice meal with my boyfriend is one of my favourite things to do, especially with a glass of red wine. If I had more time I would definitely read more books.5. Plans for 2011?
I’m going to be graduating this July so for now my plan is to get through all my work and finish my final project. I want to go away with my friends and have some time to reflect on the last three years really. I’m looking to work abroad in New York for a while and then eventually move to London by the end of the year.

6. Your best piece of advice?
It might sound like obvious advice but I think something I feel I’ve learnt with hindsight is to truly seize every moment. Never let life pass you by and say yes to everything.

(All images via Autumn Hair.)