Meet Rebecca Jean of R. Jean Art in East Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Jean.

Rebecca, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Zambia as a creative kid. I loved to draw, write stories, and spend time outdoors where bright and interesting things grew. From tropical plants and flowers to fascinating bugs and lizards, being outside was always a great source of inspiration as a child. My family also supported my artistic interests and I was encouraged to freely express my creativity as I grew.

I moved to the Chicago area when I was fifteen. To cope with the immediate culture shock in high school, I embraced the identity of the “artsy girl.” I went on to study art at Indiana Wesleyan University, with a concentration in studio painting. After graduating, I landed a job at a children’s illustration agency in Chicago. I remember thinking at the time that I’d received my dream job because it combined two of my passions, art, and story. After a few years at the agency, however, I grew weary of Chicago winters and moved to Atlanta.

I kept freelancing as an illustrator with my previous company while doing odd jobs to pay the bills. After juggling random jobs, from swim instructor to coffee barista, I was hired as the personal studio assistant of a prominent Georgia artist. This job taught me priceless lessons about the discipline that goes into building a business with your art. Since then, I’ve gone through seasons of painting full time and seasons of juggling other jobs while painting. With each job, I’ve learned useful skills to apply to my own business as well as invaluable interpersonal skills. I’m very thankful for both seasons and the lessons each one has brought.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Until recently, my biggest struggle was with my own mindset and the limiting belief that I am less of an artist if I can’t make a full time living with my art. After weathering some difficult years as a full-time artist, I questioned my worth as a painter as well as all the time I devoted to the pursuit. I became discouraged.

But an odd thing happened in the midst of this discouragement. I’d allow myself a few days (or weeks!) to mope around. But then I came back to art. Art felt like home. And that was a comforting feeling. These ebbs and flows taught me that I will keep making my art. I’ve learned that the true reward of pursuing art is not in being a full-time artist. The true reward is being able to express my creativity.

By understanding that I already have the reward, I am free to enjoy the process. No person (or paycheck) can give or take your creativity away. That’s a wonderful gift.

While these recent epiphanies have been freeing, I’d like to fully acknowledge that juggling extra jobs while pursuing art can be exhausting. I would have told my younger, desperately ambitious self (and any young artist today) to slow down a little, rest when you need to, and don’t compare yourself to others. You are on your own journey.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I sell my paintings at art shows and on my website and social media. I also create custom commissions for corporate and private clients. I’m a curious person and allow myself the freedom to paint whatever subject interests me. While the subject matter changes, the style of painting remains expressive and loose.

For years, I tried to force myself to paint one thing. But I felt stifled by this practice and needed to explore more. I now give myself permission to try different things in order to stay happy creatively. I usually explore a subject through a series of paintings. I find that painting a series around a subject gives my work more focus and direction.

Lately, I’ve been exploring movement through a series of dance paintings. I was drawn to the freedom displayed in a dancer’s movements and wanted to express that feeling in my paintings. When I need a break from the dancers, I hop on over to a different series, such as my Influential People Collection.

I’m most proud of staying true to my exploratory nature throughout the years. I’ve followed my curiosity instead of putting myself in a box. I’m also proud of my tenacity to keep responding to flickers of inspiration, even in the midst of setbacks.

One of my art collectors stated, “What truly sets her apart is her passion to explore. She has a (seemingly) effortless ability to apply her own style to almost any subject. This is truly a rare thing!” I’d like to think that this passion to explore, combined with the intense desire to share my art, is what makes me unique.

What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
One immediate goal is to plug into the Atlanta arts scene more. I recently began working for an Atlanta art gallery and will help to facilitate more shows and talks for Atlanta artists. I’m excited about this partnership to give greater exposure to some incredible talent in the city!

Contact Info:

• Address: www.rjean.net
• Website: www.rjean.net
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @rjean.art

Image Credit:
Cory Locatelli

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