Meet Rebecca Horne | Abstract, Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Horne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, how do you think about risk?
In my everyday life, I am most definitely not a risk taker. I follow the rules and I prevent myself from experiencing new things because of my fear of something going wrong. When I create art, I let all of that go. I have no fear and I find it exhilarating when I take a risk on a perfectly beautiful piece of art and it works out! I’ll finish a piece and look at it and see that’s it’s nice, it could be just what it is and it’s fine. After that, I’ll think about what I can do to it to make it exceptional. With the type of art I make, if it goes wrong, there’s no fixing it. It’s ruined. I’m always willing to risk that. I don’t want my art to be just fine. I want to finish it and know that there’s nothing else that can be done to it and, to me, it’s exceptional. I’m also not afraid to try new things. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. I’ve ruined many perfectly fine pieces doing this. I don’t consider it a waste but rather a learning experience.

I believe that, because I’m willing to take that extra step and risk the entire thing, that’s how I’ve managed to get to where I am as an artist. I never imagined in my life that I’d ever be making art like I do. I love everything about it. During my process of creating, I love that everything I’m doing is mine alone and that I get to do whatever I want. There are no rules. There’s nothing preventing me from experimenting, ruining, achieving, growing and learning as I go. I have total freedom to do whatever I like to my art and nothing can stop me. It’s where I’m most happy and successful in my life. I thrive on the risks and they are worth taking!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a mixed media artist, I feel the possibilities are endless. I love creating art that has several types of texture mixed into it. Each type will have its own function and place. I also love layering textures and incorporating different items as embellishments. It’s like building a room and decorating it. What I create is unique. I prefer it to be that way. I’m not afraid to try new things. This helps me grow as an artist as well as set me apart from others. I prefer to create abstract art. In the past, I spent years painting or drawing flowers, pets and landscapes. It never really challenged me or gave me a sense of accomplishment. Abstract challenges me. It’s made up as I go along from nothing other than a feeling of what could work. I’m excited every day to see what comes next and where my art will take me.

Growing up with a father who was an artist, I’ve made art my entire life in one form or another. Until a few years ago, I never felt comfortable calling myself an artist, or especially a professional artist. When I decided that I’d like to be considered a professional artist, I knew that I needed a resume and I wanted a good one whatever that was. I had no idea. Assuming that I needed to enter art shows, I started to do just that. It was actually terrifying for me and sometimes still is! I’ve been very fortunate in that area and have built a very nice resume rather quickly. This has brought many opportunities to me that I would never have thought possible. Now, I consider myself a professional artist!

There are many lessons I’ve learned finding my way through this. I’ve learned so much about myself, making art as well as the art business as I’ve grown as an artist. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to not give up. Every artist goes through a stage when they’re not inspired. When that happens to me, I’ll continue to work. If it’s too difficult, I’ll do easier art until the inspiration comes again. Don’t stop creating. If you stop, you may never start again or it may be really difficult to pick it back up. In 2022, I was forced to stop due to major surgery. I did make small, simple pieces and once I recovered, I knew I had lost my momentum or my mojo as I call it. It was a difficult and depressing time but I was determined and worked really hard to get it back but it just would not happen.. Finally, I realized that it may never come back like it was and I needed to accept that. Once I accepted it, I could see that I was developing a different mojo. It’s more mature and thoughtful. I’ve embraced it and now my art is better than ever. The set back only helped me evolve. My point is, don’t give up and embrace change.

What I’d like for the world to know about me is that, after fumbling through most of my life, I now know who I am and what I’m meant to do. I was born for this. I know without a doubt that I’m fulfilling my purpose in this life. I had to find a way to free myself from the pressures, opinions and expectations of others to find my way to being this artist. The art that I’m creating is who I am. I’m abstract, I’m mixed media with so many different layers of texture and color. I allow myself to change directions at any given moment without a thought or explanation. I’m compelled to make art. There’s no choice for me. I heard the calling and I answered.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestie was an artist, first I’d take her to Soda City Market on Saturday. Next to City Art in The Vista then to Rob Shaw Gallery on State St. West Columbia. After that I’d drive her through Cottontown and finish up at Uncle Willies on N. Main for some unique groceries. That evening, we’d go to dinner at The Black Rooster and sit upstairs for a fantastic view of downtown at night. The next morning we would have a quick bite at The Hideout in WECO so we can see the fabulous artwork of my dear friend Pascale Bilgis Sexton as well as some other revolving local artists. After that a stroll along one of the many river walks available. I don’t have a favorite. They’re all fantastic! Next, a visit to Stormwater Studios to see who’s working at their studio that day and what art is on exhibit. I’d love to stop at the new Farmers Market Exchange in The Vista. I also love the Cayce Farmers market. I think Valerie Barrineau is one of the most interesting people I’ve met in awhile and I’d love to see what she has planned for the Capitol City Mill District. If it was the right time, I’d love to take my friend to the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner. I haven’t been yet and have been wanting to go. If not, then dinner at Lula Drakes. Love that spot!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dear friend Julie Seel. She saw potential in me when I did not. By having a couple art shows for me in her home, she provided the opportunity for me to put my art out there. Those shows led to her coming up with the Cottontown Art Crawl. The first one was a big success for me and that gave me the courage to continue. The Cottontown Art Crawl has been that for many other local artists as well. It has also been the inspiration for other communities to have their own art event.

Website: http://rebeccahornefineart.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rebeccalhornec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.l.horne.3