GS&NS: What inspires you to create in general? What energizes you and compels you paint or draw?
Rebekah: 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.
GS&NS: 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.
Evolution: An Anthology