For Berkeley High School senior Rahki Hull, her approach to both life and art has never been limited to one medium. Whether painting murals, writing songs, or sewing souvenir dolls, Hull has spent years exploring different ways to create.
Hull began her music career in first grade at the Berkeley Arts Magnet School, where she started taking piano lessons. Her piano teacher quickly became a big part of her life, and ended up teaching her for years.
“She started teaching me piano, and then it kind of evolved into her teaching me how to use computer programs for synthesizers, vocal production and stuff like that,” Hull said. Over the next 11 years those lessons grew into songwriting, music production, and developed the vital skills and confidence necessary to her art career.
In her freshman year at BHS, she joined a band through a community band workshop called BandWorks and became the lead singer and lyricist. For three years, her band called Mad Indigo performed at various public venues, including bars, street fairs, the historic Ivy Room and also released two songs on Spotify.
Hull’s creativity also extends to visual arts. Both of her parents are artists and ignited her passion for visual art, often taking her on family trips to art shows. “In my own time, I like painting portraits a lot because I think they’re really interesting and expressive, and rewarding to finish,” Hull said.
Outside of painting as a personal hobby, Hull has been a member of the BHS Mural Club since her freshman year, and most recently completed the magnolia shed mural in the campus green. Hull also sews handmade gifts, like college themed keychains made from felt, which she gives to friends.
As Hull prepares for college, she is keeping her options open. She is considering pursuing the audio industry or mechanical engineering from a dual music and STEM major. “I don’t see myself ever abandoning music fully, but I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket,” she said. Although Hull is not fully certain whether her artistry will become a career, she is confident that they will stay as an important part of her life for years to come.