‘Song DEDICATION: CLASS ACTRESS, JOURNAL OF ARDENCY 1/3′
WaterColor painting on Strathmore Vellum Bristol paper, 20 x 20,” 2010
Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Rebecca Sherman, I’m an artist/ designer living in Brooklyn!
I graduated from NYU with a BFA in Studio Art and I actively exhibit my artwork in various venues, pop up spaces and gallery in NYC.
My paintings, illustrations and digital art works are inspired by New York City, architecture, music and movement. Almost every piece is titled after a song or album. Ultimately, the images explore an internal and external contradiction of perception to reflect an overall experience.
In 2009, I launched BHEKI, my line of eco-friendly totes and tees, to apply my art in relevant, functional and accessible context. BHEKI features one of a kind designs that collage and re-interpret her paintings with embroidered drawings, digitally printed illustrations and other embellishments. The concept of using a practical tote and t-shirt as an artist’s canvas has allowed her to create avant-garde designs with the spirit of contemporary art and “haute couture fashion.”
During the recession, artists have been making less money and finding fewer outlets for their work. In addition, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s $63 billion budget for fiscal year 2011, which starts July 1, calls for a 31 percent reduction in financing for arts groups. Many art institutions will not be able to survive.
As a result, I think it is very important for local artists and designers to engage and support the community.
In the past year, I have become affiliated with several wonderful professional organizations such as The {The NewNew}, Studio Fuse and Greenpoint Open Studios that foster these Creative and productive communities for artists.
Cinched BHEKI Tote with Denim Pocket, Tie-Dye, original Art Print and Paintbrush Strokes
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Apart from creating my personal art work, I’m always interested in the art of collaboration. Earlier this year, I created a site specific installation with sculptor Carolin Wood for the Urban Arts Fest at Castlebraid Lofts. In addition, I recently photographed and collaborated with Multi-Instrumentalist Singer/Songwriter Alyson Greenfield on a Project for her upcoming EP.
I’m also organizing a two-person art show titled Love and AfFUNCTION that will open at Kingdom in Williamsburg on July 29th.
There is a lot of great art, film and music happenings in Brooklyn/ New York and I try to see as much of it as possible.
In addition, I love to write, dance and take my pup to the dog run!
SONG DEDICATION: Love Like A Sunset- PART 1’ (Phoenix-Wolfgang Amadeus)’ is the oil painting on wooden panel, 12 x 16″ 2009
What first made you want to become an artist?
Honestly, I wanted to be an artist as far back as I could remember. I think I must of exhibited talent at a young age and my parents enrolled me in art classes at the Central Ohio Art Academy and Columbus College of Art & Design by the time I was 7 years old. In high school, I came to New York City to take a Summer Intensive Painting course at Parsons School of Design. I immediately fell in love with the city and knew that I ultimately wanted live here and pursue my career as an artist.
Boho Bling for Spring Tote with studs, metallic shapes, Tie-Dye and original Art Print
Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
The process is more complex and obessive than you will ever know!
I make inspirational playlists on my ipod and collect digital image archives with inspirational film stills, photos and paintings. I also make conceptual digital collages to brainstorm. I then photograph architecture, interior spaces and cityscapes in New York.. followed by a series of ink sketches and illustrations. I scan my photos and sketches to combine, develop and enhance the images as digital illustrations and prints in photoshop. I use the same digital art works as a starting point when mapping out the images for my larger watercolor and oil paintings.
When creating my BHEKI products, I usually apply iron on transfer prints to either 100% canvas or cotton-canvas totes and cotton t-shirts, add metallic fabric paint and embroider drawing on top. To make each bag special I collage and add embellishments such as crystals, chains, buttons, studs, bows, Tie-dye Patches, Cool Vintage Closures, fabric flowers and pockets (made from recycled cable knit fabric, denim, nylon and even fishnet stockings!)
Brooklyn Water Front Series: Bodies of Water’
is the 8×10 translucent vellum print in 11 x 14 Black Wooden Float Frame, 2010
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
A beautiful quilt that my Mom Made me. It’s something that I use everyday, but could easily be hung on my wall as a work of art. I’m very fascinated by Art of Quilts and its history as a means for story telling. In addition, I’m a huge fan of Winona Ryder’s under rated 90s movie, How to Make an American Quilt!.
What advice would you give to artists new to BIM?
As a handmade artist, I know that each individual piece has personal and sentimental value. Likewise, I love to meet my customers and collectors. I think it is important for artists to personally engage their work with the public. BIM presents a great opportunity to gain exposure, learn your market and support other local designers. I also believe that constructive criticism is very important to progress. Ask the other designers for feedback on your products and/ or product display, acknowledge what the customers respond to and if something isn’t working, change it!
How do you promote your work?
I primarily promote my work on Facebook, Blogger and Flickr. I just started a Polyvore account to promote BHEKI and it’s addictive! My cohesive online URL is http://www.bhekisherman.com
In ten years I’d like to be…
In 10 years, I hope to make the title jump from an emerging artist to an accomplished one!
