Becky Phelps and I were introduced by a mutual friend at church years ago. I remember her telling me
"That girl has MAJOR talent." And boy was she right.
Meet Becky.
Tell us about you.
I am a professional visual artist and high school art teacher. I have always loved art since I was a little girl. I always knew I would be an artist- although over the years my personal style and specific career within the art world has changed and evolved. I am heavily influenced in my own artwork by my own life experiences, beliefs and emotions. My faith in God echoes in my artwork.
Tell us more about your work.
When I was in my 20’s, I interned at an airbrush shop in Alabama. It was through that experience and airbrushing t-shirts and other items full time for many years that I developed the unique style I have today. Many things influence us as artists. I have always loved the colorful world of graffiti art. I love lettering, fonts and text incorporated into art. In recent years I have taken my background of airbrushing and perfected the art of spray paint on canvas. I use graffiti spray paints, paint pens and other graffiti supplies to create a modern, unique style to my canvas work. I also try to mimic that style in my illustrations as well.
You teach high school art. Why did you become an art teacher?
When I was in middle school, I was a chubby, awkward kid with low self esteem. I would cry everyday and fake sick to go home before gym class. It was my middle school art teacher, Ms. Christine Harness that had a life long impact on me. Last summer I attended a conference in Nashville, TN and this lady walks up to me and says “I taught you in middle school.” It was a magical moment- there stood my middle school art teacher Ms Harness!! She had traveled from Knoxville, TN to attend the conference! I cried real tears and told her she is the reason I am who I am today- both as an artist and as an art teacher. I hope to reach my students in this same way and give them a safe place to express themselves through art.
Ms. Harness and Becky
Do you see a lot of kids that will no doubt be where you are one day?
Our schools are packed with talented kids. Our school systems have to support the arts and understand- art heals. Art helps kids tap into those higher level thinking skills- creativity spans all careers. You can’t put that on a standardized test. These kids know how to fill in a bubble but very few of them know how to tap into the power of their own imagination anymore.
What is your dream project?
I would love to do another large scale outdoor mural!
How did you realize you wanted to make art with spray paint and sharpies?
That goes back to my background of airbrushing t-shirts as well as my fascination with graffiti art.
Do you call yourself a graffiti artist?
Yes I do- The cool thing about calling myself a graffiti style artist is that I am breaking down stereotypes. Yes I am a caucasion woman with pink hair- I love to listen to Lecrae, Tedashii, KB, Andy Mineo. I love graffiti. I do not condone illegal vandalism- but I love street art. I graffiti on canvas. I am a graffiti artist.
Why did you choose this type of art?
I didn’t choose this type of art. This type of art chose me.
What role do you think an artist plays in our society?
What a gray, colorless, emotionally void world we would live in without artists! Who will teach you to see beauty in the ordinary? Who will make you think deeper? Who will bring emotions into your soul just by looking at this thing they created?Art gives the world flavor. We mimic the original Creator- God is the original great artist.
Is there anything you dislike about the art world?
I have a dislike for too much “paint splattery” abstract work that has no feeling or meaning. I feel like right now our galleries are full of paint splatters with no real deeper meaning. I get frustrated with gimmicks and over priced ridiculousness.
Do you have influencers in the art world?
I try not to delve too deep into the “real” influencers and their work. I have always been someone that likes to go against what everyone else is doing, buying, or sharing on social media.
Is there a piece of artwork you would like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered by my students- as having an impact on them- more than my artwork.
Do you have a favorite painting from a past or present artist that inspires you?
I love so many different artists it would be difficult to pick just one. I love modern, living, practicing artists the most.
Do you have a daily routine when you work?
I think. ALOT. I ponder- I get in my own head sometimes for days. I sketch, I think some more. If I am very sad or upset I cannot make art. My art comes generally from a place in my heart where my happiness lives. If art does not come from your soul- people may buy it but they will never connect to it. Art is about emotional connection.
Why do you love what you do?
I love it because it is who God created me to be. I make art like I breathe- it is my very nature to create.
Do you have a favorite art gallery?
Dare I say no? I feel like in the south particularly- although we are getting MUCH BETTER, we have always been so far behind when it comes to art and culture- compared to say, New York and LA. But we are growing and locally our artist groups and organizations are doing really great things.
What advice would you give a young artist just starting out?
Sketch, draw, play and imagine. Make bad art. Draw terribly. But keep making art- never stop. Listen to music, take walks outside. Observe. Look up from your phone and really see the world around you. Find beauty in the ordinary. Use your life experiences. Never stop learning.
You can find more about Becky on her website, on Instagram, on Facebook and on Twitter.
Thank you, Becky!!!