Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Jack.
Rebecca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My mother is an artist so creativity has been part of my upbringing from an early age. I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. and went on to study Interior Design at the University of Tennessee. After graduation, I took off for Seattle to start my design career and continued to paint in my spare time. It was a very creative and inspiring experience for me as I found a wonderful community of artists, musicians, actors, dancers and writers. I showed my work through art walks, group shows and small events. There was a taste of success but I needed more expansion to see what was possible. After several years of living in Seattle, I decided to move back to the south to be closer to family and warmer weather! I moved to Atlanta in 2006 and started working in Hospitality design. There were many years that I painted off and on aimlessly. I didn’t really believe yet in the possibility of making a living as an artist. Then Instagram and Squarespace came along and those platforms helped me create an online presence.
Fast forward, 2020, was a pivotal year for me. I saw many artists on Instagram creating work, making connections and developing a successful art career. They were instrumental in paving the way for me. I knew that if I didn’t go for it I would regret it. I committed to making art on a regular basis and at the same time found a book called “Daily painting”, This changed everything. I had been painting more often but not consistently. Having a family and working part-time, it was hard to find space to pursue my dream. This book helped me get out of my own mental limitations and I started finding small chunks of time to paint. Ten to twenty minutes a day started to snowball into finding 1-2 hours a day. I was painting late in the evening and found I had more energy once I got into the studio. The work evolved over time as I honed in on my style. I found a relationship between my love of abstract painting and my portraits and the figure. I started putting my work up at different online galleries and brick-and-mortar stores/galleries. Slowly but surely I’ve worked my way into fully living my dream as a working artist. Consistency, hard work, connecting with others and getting exposure has been key. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their dream and know that it is never too late to start!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! I’ve struggled most with self-imposed limitations. I let fear and insecurities take over and run the show for so long. I’ve started to overcome these through the process of painting and taking action anyway even when I’m scared. The time factor was a big stumbling block. I’ve discovered the power of small but consistent action can grow into big results. I believe this can be applied in many different areas of life. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There is a possibility waiting for you in the in-between. I think it is important to see other people doing what you want to be doing. It’s the aha moment – If they can do it, why can’t I?! I’ve learned so much along the way: expanding (seeing to believe), consistency and focus coupled with action have helped me move forward. I’m truly grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned and the personal growth that has transpired.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist and I paint playful abstracts/still life and modern portrait/figurative pieces. I work in both acrylic and oil. I’m interested in color relationships, form, visible layering, depth, brushwork and lots of thick paint! I enjoy exploring the interior world of thoughts, emotions, energetics and human nature. I am most proud of my use of color and expressiveness. I think the expressive nature of the objects and figures I paint connect to a sensitivity of one’s own humanity that the viewer can identify with.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
With my background in Interior Design, it is a no-brainer that I love all things related to home. Domino is a favorite blog for design inspiration. Some podcasts that I’m regularly listening to range from self-improvement to spiritual to artist interviews such as The Expanded podcast, Ancient Wisdom Today, Art 2 Life, and The school of greatness. I don’t have a lot of time to read these days but I own a lot of art books for inspiration and some favorites include Joan Mitchell, Willem de Kooning, Richard Diebenkorn, Corbusier and Picasso.
Contact Info:
- Email: rebecca@rebjackart.com
- Website: www.rebjackart.com
- Instagram: @rebeccajack.artist
