Rebecca Guy

As an artist working in mixed media, I explore the possibilities of my materials – of collage, acrylic paint, pressed plants, metal leaf, and found objects. Instead of planning a painting to the final stroke, I begin working with only a fragment or sketch, letting things evolve in an organic way. As an artist I make use of common, everyday materials; recycling and transforming them. The surfaces of my work have complexity and intricate detail, evolving by layers, constructed as delicately as a spider’s web. Multiplicity of texture and pattern energize the surface, spirals curl and tangle. I create my own hand-carved stamps – metal objects and old hardware become collage elements. I use paint in delicate washes, layered to create complex and unusual colors. I look for translucency in my various materials; it is a quality that permits visibility through all the many layers; archeology in reverse. Translucency is a physical equivalent of a metaphysical quality – the spirit beneath the image. I bring all my disparate materials together to create a dynamic, powerful image that resonates with spirituality – a dreamscape – secrets and mysteries hidden within the layers.

Inspiration comes from mysticism, spirituality, anthropology, literature, and art. I admire Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, as well as the Magic Realist writers of Latin America – some of my work could be the painter’s equivalent of Magic Realism. I admire many painters of the past – Klimt, Schiele, Redon, Matisse, Chagall…. assimilating these influences as a part of my process.

I received a fine arts degree from University of North Texas; my life has been a continuous study of art. I have drawn and painted for as long as I can remember; I grew up in a small central Texas town and entertained myself with artistic endeavor. From a very young age I was certain about the fact that I would pursue art as my life’s work. I studied art in school and continued my pursuit of knowledge on my own. Growing up, I spent hours reading about art and pouring over art books, absorbing the knowledge of the masters. I have evolved a unique personal style that expresses tranquility and the joy of living. For many years, health problems prevented me from working. I suffered with chronic pain and could work only sporadically. After struggling with this for years, I have come to terms with this issue, with the help of continued therapy and chiropractic treatment, and now I am able to do the work I always wanted to do. At present, I participate in art festivals to promote my artwork, as well as exhibiting in restaurants and businesses. I enjoy meeting my collectors and talking with people about art. I find that art festivals are a wonderful venue for discussing new ideas and educating people about art. The educational system of our country does not offer very much in the way of art education; I find that many people are intimidated by art. Art festivals offer a chance to experience art in a non-threatening atmosphere, and I hope that festival attendees leave with a better understanding and less fear of the subject of art.

I was involved in the Pecan Street Festival all through the nineties, up to 2004, when I moved away from Austin. It was a great experience; the festival is carnivalesque! You experience so many different activities, and the people are always so interesting. It is one of the shows I miss, and maybe I will have a chance to return one day.