Creator's Corner: Rebecca Kate, Artist
Rebecca Kate
Beck is a self-confessed art addict creating gorgeous abstract botanical paintings and digital collages from her home studio in Geelong.
Here she talks about what how her art’s evolving and what life looks like as a creative entrepreneur and mother of two.
Tell us a little about yourself! Who are you and what’s your creative background?
I'm a wife, mum to two gorgeous girls (Esme 6 and Willow 3) and an artist. I completed my Diploma of Visual Arts way back in 2002 and went on to complete my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004.
What did the path to pursuing a creative career look like for you?
When I finished uni I really didn't think there was much of a career for me in the creative arts. Back then there was no social media (I feel so so old saying that!) and I thought I would only be able to work in a gallery or become an art teacher - neither appealed to me at the time. I also didn't have the confidence to think I could pursue being an artist as a career, so I just kept creating as a hobby. It wasn't until I had Esme that I thought to pursue my art as a career. I needed a creative outlet (as well as being mum) and I realised the passion had always been there, I just didn't think it was possible.
What are your personal guiding values, and how are they reflected in the art you create?
Kindness - I'm not sure it's reflected in my work but I hope it's reflected in my brand and my personality as a whole.
Passion - I've learnt that you can create such a happy and fulfilling life if you follow your passion.
Discipline - it may be your passion and you may love what you do but you still need to be disciplined to do it well and to be consistent.
Growth - always learning, whether that's through reading, online courses or personal development.
What influences your creativity?
Colour and nature are a massive influence in my paintings but my new work is strongly influenced by personal development, female power, confidence and courage.
Do you have any rituals that help you get into the zone before you sit down to paint?
I like to make a coffee or cacao and sit in my studio before I start working just to sit in my space, look over my work and get in the zone.
Photo by Dom - @dominey.flores
What do you want people to feel when they see your artwork?
Joy and connection.
What does a day in the life look like for you?
A studio day (before COVID-19) goes something like this, ideally I would wake up at 5.30am to meditate and then enjoy my coffee while scrolling social media and maybe getting some posts planned or drawing. Esme and Willow are normally up around 7am so I then get them organised for the day and drop them off to daycare and school. I'm in the studio by 9.30am and then try to spend the day painting, drawing, creating and sometimes packing and posting orders until 3ish before I have to pick up the girls.
Photo by Dom - @dominey.flores
What are some of the challenges of running your own business and raising two beautiful little girls?
It's a real juggle. Sometimes, if I have more work to do than I can fit into my two days a week, I feel guilty working while Willow is at home with me. Some nights I will work late after the girls are asleep in order to get things done, but ultimately I absolutely love the flexibility of working from home and to my own hours. It means I don't miss out on anything to do with the girls.
How do you see your art evolving over the next few years?
My work is currently in full evolution mode as I've recently started using my portrait drawings to create collages and I'm loving it. Now I'm in the process of setting up a new website and creating new prints to launch a new series. I have always wanted to create work that is more personal and has more meaning to me. and the collages are a way of expressing that. I feel like my work will only become more meaningful in the future.
What’s one misconception about pursuing a creative career that you want to rectify?
That it's not all fun and games all the time and it is hard work sometimes.
What is the proudest moment in your journey so far?
I have had quite a few achievements over the years that I'm proud of but I think I'm most proud of the fact that I'm living and creating a life from passion and purpose as well as showing our girls and anyone following along that you can pursue your dreams... it just takes a lot of work and determination.
When you’re not creating, what can we find you doing?
Hanging out with the fam, going camping, reading and I've recently started kick boxing (something I've always wanted to do) and love it!
What do you look forward to each day?
Coffee in the morning, wine at night!
What advice would you give aspiring women wanting to turn their passion or art into a career?
To just keep creating, to put your work out there into the world no matter how scary and vulnerable that might feel. Try not to worry about set backs or disappointments, just use them as lessons and if you love it just keep going.
Finish these sentences
My favorite place to travel is camping in the bush.
I lose track of time when I’m drawing and painting.
I can read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert over and over again.
These 3 adjectives describe my life right now: content, inspired and thoughtful.
I believe everyone can 'succeed' if they pursue something they love doing.
