Hi, Rebekah! To start off, can you please briefly introduce yourself to our audience?
Where are you from? What kind of art do you create? (and whatever else you’d like to share…)
My name is Rebekah and I grew up on the island of Oahu. I have a lot of hobbies and interests, but one of my favorite things to do is create art. Ever since I was young, I have always loved experimenting with colors, illustrations, and some pottery here and there. My favorite type of art to work with though would have to be painting and drawing. It sounds simple, but I love how messy or detailed you can get on canvas or paper.
What motivated you to create your drawing, “Change”? Discuss your process.
The motivation behind this specific piece was a theme for a previous issue of GirlSense & NonSense. The theme was change and how this can create a positive or negative effect in a person’s own life. When I think of change I imagine turning over a new leaf, taking off and pushing myself towards new aspirations. These inspirations I thought could be pretty well summarized by a butterfly. Beautiful as this insect is, there was a time when butterflies started off as lowly caterpillars, never able to get their legs off the ground. But once the caterpillar goes through its transformation, it can (literally) soar above and beyond and go where it never could before.
What other artists inspire you? Who has recently captured your attention?
I am not inspired by any artist in particular, but seeing other people’s art whether it is through social media (i.e. instagram, facebook, pinterest, this magazine etc.) or looking at my fellow art-lover friends’ masterpieces, I really draw inspiration from that. The most inspiring creative ideas usually come from my own head - not in a braggy way - because I like to imagine different things. Everyone has their own special talent and I always admire those who gain happiness from doing what it is they love.
What inspires you to create in general? What energizes you and compels you paint or draw?
I think that is a particular gift that I have been blessed with and I only hope to continually develop my skills and try new things with my art. And I don’t want to keep my art all to myself. Oh no, I love creating things for others or helping people see that art isn’t about being “good” at drawing, painting, or whatever they are trying to create. Art is CREATIVE which means it is not something that should be graded or judged, it is a unique expression from unique individuals and I want people to feel joy when they pick up a pencil or paintbrush and not live in fear of being judged.
What advice would you give to emerging artists? Another way to think about it: what advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of what others will think. Go for it. Be bold. Your art is an expression of you and no one should be able to put a label on that. I have a friend who was discouraged to ever try to paint or draw something again just because of the low grade he got in school for his Art class. When I had finally convinced this friend to at least try to paint something - it could be anything - he gained more confidence when he heard encouraging words and gradually, his skills began to improve as he became less afraid of what I would think and more focused on the actual painting process. So if that is your story or perhaps you know someone who thinks they are a bad artist, do them and yourself a favor and be an encouragement. Trust me, not only will it make their day, but you have just opened someone’s eyes to the wonderful world of art and creativity.
Interview & Art
By Rebekah Dahlin
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GS&NS: Hi, Rebekah! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Rebekah: My name is Rebekah and I grew up on the island of Oahu. I have a lot of hobbies and interests, but one of my favorite things to do is create art. Ever since I was young, I have always loved experimenting with colors, illustrations, and some pottery here and there. My favorite type of art to work with though would have to be painting and drawing. It sounds simple, but I love how messy or detailed you can get on canvas or paper.
GS&NS: What motivated you to create your drawing, "Change". Please discuss your process.
Rebekah: The motivation behind this specific piece was a theme for a previous issue of GirlSense & NonSense. The theme was change and how this can create a positive or negative effect in a person’s own life. When I think of change I imagine turning over a new leaf, taking off and pushing myself towards new aspirations. These inspirations I thought could be pretty well summarized by a butterfly. Beautiful as this insect is, there was a time when butterflies started off as lowly caterpillars, never able to get their legs off the ground. But once the caterpillar goes through its transformation, it can (literally) soar above and beyond and go where it never could before.
GirlSense and NonSense