Interview with Rebecca Ogun
Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My passion for art began as a child, as I was intrigued by the different oil paintings that were done by my grandmother and hung up in her house. I remember standing closely at her paintings and being mesmerized by the textures and colors. She was a big influence on me as an artist as I would go with her to her art club and watch her create some ceramic pieces and paintings. Also, I was lucky that I was able to travel as a young kid and saw museums that inspired me. Moving forward, I received my BFA from The University of Texas at San Antonio where I focused more on social, relationship aspects, and my MFA from Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkiye where I wanted to explore more of the Turkish culture from my perspective. I have been an international teacher for almost 20 years and have 2 wonderful kids and an amazing husband that has supported me with the continuation of my artistic journey.
Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
Well for myself, I am an international teacher and teaching art so most of my day goes to teaching students. However, I do squeeze time for making art for myself. I don’t have a set routine, but I always have my sketchbook with me in case I have an idea or thought. Also, I don’t like to ignore my family time, so sometimes I will bring my artwork to the living room and work on this. Wherever we go, I always create a space for my artmaking and sometimes I may have an urge to create art late at night and just submerge myself into it. Other times, I may work on something for a little while just to put my foot into what my creative thoughts are about. There are times where I feel for myself that even as an art teacher, I should be an example to the students and keep up with my own artwork.
Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
I feel that I can be a chameleon at times because my inspiration and themes change from time to time. Most of my inspiration comes from watching my kids grow and seeing how life has molded them into who they are as well as traveling and being integrated into that culture. At the moment, I am into still lifes, change, playing around with colors.
“Frog Watcher” is a surreal collage juxtaposes elements of space and Earth, creating a thought-provoking narrative on the interconnectedness of space and time. The foreground features cows resting on a barren rocky surface, symbolizing the grounding of life on Earth and their search for a safer haven amidst vast challenges. Above them, a vibrant tree frog watches across a snow-capped mountain as a vigilant watcher for the spacecraft orbiting around for the cows whether we think that they are looking for them or just exploring other possible ways of life. This collage blends terrestrial and extraterrestrial elements, suggesting the seamless flow of time and the boundless nature of space, encouraging viewers to ponder humanity’s place in the universe.
How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
As a teacher, I think I am lucky to be able to teach what I love and looking at how students are going through this creative process and talking about art in a formal setting also affects myself with my artwork as well as help students to understand their journey. With my family, I have learned how to balance my time with them and my artwork. Sometimes I would work late at night so that I was able to be with my kids during the day. If I was able to, I sometimes would work on small projects while watching television with the family.
Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
Because I am an international teacher and we moved around a lot, leaving that art space, supplies, and sometimes artwork that I had collected and accumulated was very hard to leave. Moving expenses are not cheap, so I had to decide what to leave, give, and take with me. That was so hard at first, and still is at times, but I have learned that these experiences have given me an insight into different ways of adjusting the size and type of art that I do.
Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
Any time my artwork gets accepted to an exhibition whether it is online or in person is always a great experience for me. However, the best experience was when we were living in Cyprus and my husband surprised me and built me a studio. It was the biggest feeling of love and appreciation! I was able to have my own space and place for my art and bring people into that space by giving lessons as well. Just writing about this brings a huge smile to my face!
“Blown Away” is a collage that seamlessly blends elements of nature, technology, and cosmic wonder. The foreground captures a serene beach scene with a confident individual emerging from the water, embodying the passage of time and our connection to nature. Towering wind turbines rise from clouds in the background, merging the realms of natural and technological. Above, the night sky teems with stars, with Earth prominently positioned underscoring the vastness of space and the minuscule scales of human existence. The wind turbines, symbols of renewable energy, hint at a future-oriented outlook on time and progress. This collage intricately weaves these components to reflect on the interplay of space, time, and human ingenuity, prompting viewers to consider our place in the universe.
What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
Definitely don’t compare your artwork to others because there is no one like you. Also, keep doing what you love and if you get stuck or bored, take a break, walk, meditate, or expand on your ideas.
Is the artist's life lonely?
I think there are different points to an artist’s life that may seem lonely such as you are solo when it comes to the artmaking process. Some artists work odd hours by themselves. I will say that sometimes it is hard to get people that have nothing to do with art to understand your ideas as an artist and what you are trying to do. However, connecting with others on social media and networking with others is a good way of getting rid of loneliness.
Website: https://www.rebeccaogunart.com/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaogunart?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==