REBECCA WACHTMAN STUDIO

A self-described “late bloomer”, Rebecca started her artistic journey well into adulthood.  Her first foray into art-making occurred in her 40’s when she was first introduced to silk painting at a retreat.  She was enthralled by the flow of dyes through the fabric and immediately began experimenting with silk painting techniques.  She discovered that she could merge her new-found love of painting on silk with her love of recycling, thus beginning her artist career.  

Rebecca was thrilled (and more than a little surprised), when the first time she entered a call for art, it resulted in an Honorable Mention Award.

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Rebecca (www.RebeccaWachtman.com) was born in Spokane, Washington in 1965 and spent most of her young life growing up in the Puget Sound region of Washington State where she still resides.  Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca a great love of the natural world and her biology-based college education (Associates of Arts & Sciences - Bellevue College, and Bachelor of Science – Central Washington University) strongly encouraged her to take a closer look at the flora and fauna around her. Rebecca frequently visits the wilderness areas of the greater PNW, documenting her observations via photography, drawings, and paintings.  Rebecca then uses her own catalog of observations to influence and inspire her artistic choices.

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By her own admission, Rebecca enjoys being a life-long learner.  Her artistic style continues to evolve as she encourages her limitless curiosity to provoke her into trying new classes, mediums, and techniques.  Rebecca feels that titling herself as a Silk Painter or Acrylic Artist is too limiting and this prompted her to find a different way of explaining her art.  She feels that adding the moniker “Protean” to the title of “Artist”, better explains how her art practice encompasses a wide variety of mediums, techniques, and styles.   For example, when painting on silk or in watercolor, she tends to prefer a contemporary, more-realistic look, while working in acrylics or fiber, her art often becomes much more whimsical or abstract.  It should be noted that the majority of her works contain a textural component almost encouraging the viewer to touch them.

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Rebecca has taught Silk Painting and a variety of other Fiber Art classes.  Additionally, she has demonstrated various mediums and techniques at Seattle Folklife Festival and various art retreats.  Rebecca has found that she delights in encouraging people of all ages, to explore their own creativity.  She believes that it’s never too late to try a new, creative endeavor!  

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