Rebecca Artemisa was born and raised in Los Angeles, California into a large Mexican family of infinite stories. Her family has its own special blend of camaraderie that includes culture of folklore and magic. This, and being raised between sprawling concrete and fruit trees, helped shape her work.

Rebecca has always had a passion for painting. She began at the very early age of 2, but never showed anyone her work until six+ years ago, when she was discovered drawing on a train by someone (now a dear friend) with gallery connections. The arts spy viewed her backpack full of paintings, asked what she was up to, and so Rebecca (reluctantly) shared. Ever since then, she has tried to overcome her shyness of sharing her paintings – and has shown extensively in galleries and boutiques all over the country. Rebecca notes how this adventure has brought immeasurable happiness to her life.

The current show is inspired by strong Mestiza women, straw summer hats, goth lipstick, apple blossoms, salty skin, rivers, smoke and fire, summer love, and golden everything. The women in Rebecca’s paintings offer a slight undercurrent of darkness, frustration, sass, and anger. Present in each image are obvious signs of suffering or struggle: arrows piercing skin, a scalded hand, a bloody nose, and sooted fingers from burning sage to clean out all the ghosts. There are also signs of rebirth, joy, and unknowing. Soft flowers bloom, sometimes right into these women’s hands. Rebecca’s women are leaving dark times. They have completed ceremonies, have learned much, and now are able to live yet again, sometimes without deep awareness. They bloom softly despite it all.

Rebecca Artemisa was born and raised in Los Angeles, California into a large Mexican family of infinite stories. Her family has its own special blend of camaraderie that includes culture of folklore and magic. This, and being raised between sprawling concrete and fruit trees, helped shape her work.

★ Please join us to meet the Portland based artist, Rebecca Artemisa at her Artist’s Reception on Friday, June 7th from 6-9pm. The artwork is for purchase through July 31st and available on our website too!