Mind to Pen

'Mind to Pen' is a poignant and unique 60 page A4 mindful doodling activity book inspired by Diana's previously hidden intricate doodled artworks.

A first edition print run, lithographically printed on sketchbook style 100% recycled paper. Mind to Pen includes: snippets of Diana's doodled artworks; 34 doodling exercises; inviting space to create and reflect;

Info about Rachelle and the With & Without Diana project.

Rachelle is a textile and social practice artist based in Margate. Originally from a fashion background (18 years working as a couture embroidery designer for clients incl. Alaia and Chanel), the death of her mother Diana and the uncovering of her hidden archive of over 1000+ drawings, textiles and sculptures prompted Rachelle to create the With & Without Diana project.

Diana (1951-2019) experienced childhood trauma, mental health illness and a subsequent addiction.

Pattern doodling provided her with joy, sanctuary and self expression - her last artwork left unfinished 3 months before she died. With & without Diana is a creative health project sharing Diana's artworks; archive; story and artistic processes to help destigmatize, connect, support and inspire others. Aided by Arts Council England funding the project currently facilitates therapeutic textile workshops with charities and universities.

Mother and daughter; an exploration of the deep connections and cuts in a relationship affected by mental health illness and addiction; love and grief. A copy of Mind to Pen (the project's first publication) was acquired by the Wellcome Collection in 2024.

A documentary sharing the uncovering of Dianas' story and artworks is also in the making, with writer and director Tom Shrapnel. 

Diana's artworks and archive of related material is currently under proposal for acquisition by the Wellcome Collection.

“I realised after meeting Diana where the foundation of Rachelle’s unique talent came from. I think both Rachelle and Diana had not only a natural artistic talent but also shared a deep compulsion to express themselves through the satisfaction of making. Rachelle’s extraordinarily sophisticated designs were appreciated and bought by our top fashion/textile clients but could equally have been framed as textile art.

(Virginia Hodge, Creative Director at textile design studio Hodge Sellers).

5 minute film (2023): https://vimeo.com/groups/126256/videos/886805707

Website: https://rachellefrancis.com/With-Without-Diana

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/with_and_without_diana/

Income raised from Mind to Pen sales will support the With & Without Diana workshop programme.

(with charities across Kent, Dover and Medway) and exhibition sharing arts ability to support wellbeing (Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury 2026).