Meet Rebecca Sobin | Contemporary Artist & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Sobin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, how do you think about risk?
I think risk-taking can translate into opportunity. If you don’t try anything that might be scary to you, in a sense of putting yourself out there and feeling exposed or fear of failing, there may be missed opportunities that were a perfect fit, or can change your work or how you operate in the world, or even help you grow as a person and a creative.

When I was younger and getting ready to approach the art world, a series of negative events kept me from taking the risks I needed as a catalyst to really become entrenched in my calling to be an artist. In other words, I let events and what others believed get in my way, not moving past them into what I wanted to achieve in my life and my art. Whether it was fear, or a lack of self-confidence doesn’t matter now. That’s not to say I stopped painting altogether, but that I let it simmer on the back burner for many years before making the decision to move through the past and dive in headfirst. Once I began in earnest, it was only a matter of a few years before I left my “day job” to make painting my first priority and I have not looked back. Thats not to say there aren’t doubts, but that voice does not have the power that it previously did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a painter mainly working in oil and cold wax medium. Although cold wax is gaining momentum, it is still less known than other mediums, such as oil and acrylic painting or encaustic, which is using “hot wax”. Although I have studied pottery, watercolor, photography and cyanotype, I have not taken any formal coursework in oil and cold wax. I taught myself through reading and experimenting. In that sense, I think I paint differently than other cold wax artists, but we are all individuals anyway, right? I love to experiment – whether it’s in adding new elements to a painting, or even trying a new medium at times. I think I am most proud of my willingness to play and experiment. Working in the studio is always a grand adventure, with many twists and turns – a few harrowing hair pin curves and some spectacular discoveries! It is also about risk-taking. With oil and cold wax, you add many layers, so if you just covered a favorite area, not to worry because something new and exciting will eventually emerge. Thats life! Full of mystery and adventure.

Getting here was definitely a journey. As I said earlier I did not start out as I had wanted. I may have been born an artist but I had to navigate many other aspects before “becoming”. Looking back, the earlier years were not easy and I was discouraged at how little progress I had made. However, with persistence and a little chutzpa, I am closer to arriving. I say closer and not there yet, as I am still growing, learning, and becoming. When I first began working on gallery representation, I had applied to a gallery in New York. I received a phone call from the owner/art director – a man – who proceeded to try and dismantle my confidence. He basically said “How dare you think you can be an artist in my gallery! There is not any work of yours that I even like”. At that point, I could’ve given up. But I am a persistent person and took it at face value, something I traveled a long way to discover about myself… that I am not whoever or whatever someone else says I am. In that and other encounters I have learned that I am persistent. I am worthy. I am resilient. But most of all, I learned how happy I am painting.

I want people to see my art, and although my persona is intrinsically tied to my art in many ways, it is not about me. My paintings are influenced by life, relationships, and the environment – both the internal and external aspects. Even though I have gallery representation, I am mostly a one-woman show. I have no assistants, no one paints for me, or tells me how to do it, and I am a small business owner. I work as sustainably as possible – using as many non-toxic products in my work as I can. When available, recycled wood and materials are also used in making my panels. I incorporate lots of color, and lots of meaning goes into my paintings. I think the world needs more beauty and more color… art should make one feel something and that is my goal.

I am in a show at Raices Taller 222 Gallery and Workshop, a non-profit here in Tucson. In total, there are actually three shows through June and one into July, the show at Raices Taller, a show at Manhattan Arts International, and a juried show at Artists in Arizona. Here are the links:

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am still exploring Arizona, as we have only been here three years in Tucson – most of it in a pandemic, so my ideas for a good time are a little “stunted”. That said, I love tacos and I am vegan and there are many great restaurants to discover or would accommodate my diet. There are two on my list to try, so if my best friend was visiting, I would take them to Boca’s or to Tumerico, which I have been meaning to try out. I love to hike and take photos (a love passed down from my dad). I would definitely take them to Saguaro National Park for a hike (hopefully while our flowers are still blooming) or to Sabino Canyon, but we could also go to Tohono Chul. I love how much music is here, and the Rialto and the Fox Theatres always have great music happening. When I still lived in Montana, if there were any musicians we really wanted to see, my husband and I would fly down just for back-to-back concerts. There are so many things to explore here, and in the rest of the state. I know that many visitors head to the Grand Canyon, and I think I would have to drive up with my friend, as she has never seen the Canyon. And of course we would go gallery hopping. There are so many galleries to explore in Phoenix, and some here in Tucson. I could probably spend my whole week going to gallery openings and seeing shows.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I know there are a lot of people who would not be doing what they love, if not for the support of a partner and I am no exception. My husband Richard Alexander is a musician. He knows how hard the journey is to focus on your passion, your art, if there is not enough support. He has given me so much in our 16 + years together. He has been our financial support, moral support, art lover, partner in our ongoing arts education, reluctant critic, self-esteem modulator, builder of the panels I paint on, and unwavering cheerleader. It would have been so much harder without his love and commitment.

My first gallery experience in Montana was also very instrumental, especially as a confidence booster and launching pad. The gallery, Montana Modern Fine Art, has since closed its doors (earlier this year), however my friendship with Jackie Noice (gallery owner and director) is still a sustaining role. Jackie began representing me as an unknown artist at the time. We built a wonderful friendship throughout the years and are still in touch frequently.

Website: www.rebeccasobin.com

Instagram: @artistrebeccasobin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-sobin-50b731174

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistRebeccaSobin/

Other: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/rebecca-sobin