I'm totally charmed by Becca's work around LA, so I really wanted to interview her.
You're back after a couple of years off the art scene, with a big show at White Walls, and new work on the streets in SF & LA. Did you take a break from art altogether, or just from publicly displaying your work?
Yes. 15 years of being on the streets of LA and in fancy galleries, I had to escape for a minute and think & help my mom out.
I taught at VA. Commonwealth University and waited tables at Mamma Zu restaurant in Richmond Va.
Waiting tables was easier for me than teaching. Then my mom got really sick so i left Richmond to take care of her full time in Nova.
We live in Austin now to be near my niece and nephew.
Concentrating on my painting has been great! I thought I forgot how to do it, it definitely takes a lot of practice.
Do you notice a change in your work now, or have you picked up where you left off?
I'm happier with the new paintings.
I've heard of a film about you being made; what can we expect from that, and when is it likely to be done?
Yes. The documentary will be 1/2 Hr. Wal*Art & Jetset Graffiti are producing it. It has been a great experience. I would love to tell you when it will be released but it's being edited, so it's anyone's guess.
There's a joyfulness about your characters; is that because it's what pleases you, or are you consciously trying to affect the people that see your work?
When I'm painting a girl, a lady or animals i try to bring them to life for me. I like to have company and that's what my paintings are, they're tangible.
The placement of the first Becca piece I came across really struck me because it was a small girl & doll, in a pretty dirty, deserted back alley. But you've also put work in prominent locations like Rodeo Drive. What determines where a character is placed, and why would you choose a location that only a few people will ever see?
After the LA riots i moved to LA. i saw it as a canvas with a captive audience, people in their cars. i started my street work way before the internet and digital cameras, the streets were a vehicle for me to get my work out there without spending a fortune on film and slides. i had the corner of La Brea & 3rd for 3 yrs, that was great.
The pieces in the alleys, under bridges were either for me or a friend.
You've created a few dice paintings recently, which seem to be a departure from your usual characters; is there any significance to that, or was it just for fun? Why dice?
Princess Diana was someone i really looked up to and admired. i only do a solitary die in memory of her.
You've said in the past that you might move on from putting work in the street and concentrate on gallery work; do you still feel that way?
i'm always trying to get off of the steets, but, ultimately, i love it.
What would your ideal project be? (theme, collaborators, location , etc.)
dream project ? i have so many.
i would love to animate my characters with music etc..
If you could buy any three pieces of art, what would they be?
A Vulliard, a Jeff Koons & a Rothko
Other than art, what are your passions?
cooking, hanging out with me pups, chilling w/ friends,
What's next for you? What shows or projects do you have planed?
Miami Basel with White Walls Gallery in December.
A group show at Copro Gallery in December.
What everyone should know is...
it's rough out ther dog. ruff, ruff.
Check out more Becca work here, her website here, and her work at Wal Art (including some new prints) and at White Walls. She's also included in a new book, 'Edgy Cute'.
tweet this post / share on facebook / stumble
You're back after a couple of years off the art scene, with a big show at White Walls, and new work on the streets in SF & LA. Did you take a break from art altogether, or just from publicly displaying your work?
Yes. 15 years of being on the streets of LA and in fancy galleries, I had to escape for a minute and think & help my mom out.
I taught at VA. Commonwealth University and waited tables at Mamma Zu restaurant in Richmond Va.
Waiting tables was easier for me than teaching. Then my mom got really sick so i left Richmond to take care of her full time in Nova.
We live in Austin now to be near my niece and nephew.
Concentrating on my painting has been great! I thought I forgot how to do it, it definitely takes a lot of practice.
Do you notice a change in your work now, or have you picked up where you left off?
I'm happier with the new paintings.
I've heard of a film about you being made; what can we expect from that, and when is it likely to be done?
Yes. The documentary will be 1/2 Hr. Wal*Art & Jetset Graffiti are producing it. It has been a great experience. I would love to tell you when it will be released but it's being edited, so it's anyone's guess.
There's a joyfulness about your characters; is that because it's what pleases you, or are you consciously trying to affect the people that see your work?
When I'm painting a girl, a lady or animals i try to bring them to life for me. I like to have company and that's what my paintings are, they're tangible.
The placement of the first Becca piece I came across really struck me because it was a small girl & doll, in a pretty dirty, deserted back alley. But you've also put work in prominent locations like Rodeo Drive. What determines where a character is placed, and why would you choose a location that only a few people will ever see?
After the LA riots i moved to LA. i saw it as a canvas with a captive audience, people in their cars. i started my street work way before the internet and digital cameras, the streets were a vehicle for me to get my work out there without spending a fortune on film and slides. i had the corner of La Brea & 3rd for 3 yrs, that was great.
The pieces in the alleys, under bridges were either for me or a friend.
You've created a few dice paintings recently, which seem to be a departure from your usual characters; is there any significance to that, or was it just for fun? Why dice?
Princess Diana was someone i really looked up to and admired. i only do a solitary die in memory of her.
You've said in the past that you might move on from putting work in the street and concentrate on gallery work; do you still feel that way?
i'm always trying to get off of the steets, but, ultimately, i love it.
What would your ideal project be? (theme, collaborators, location , etc.)
dream project ? i have so many.
i would love to animate my characters with music etc..
If you could buy any three pieces of art, what would they be?
A Vulliard, a Jeff Koons & a Rothko
Other than art, what are your passions?
cooking, hanging out with me pups, chilling w/ friends,
What's next for you? What shows or projects do you have planed?
Miami Basel with White Walls Gallery in December.
A group show at Copro Gallery in December.
What everyone should know is...
it's rough out ther dog. ruff, ruff.
Check out more Becca work here, her website here, and her work at Wal Art (including some new prints) and at White Walls. She's also included in a new book, 'Edgy Cute'.
tweet this post / share on facebook / stumble
