Contest 11 – Winner Interview – Rebecca J Jones

Interviewed by - Pragati Surana https://www.instagram.com/pragatisurana.ch/

Please tell us about your journey as an artist.

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. After earning a BFA from East Carolina University, I began a career in animation that kept my creative skills sharp with drawing, miniature building, and 3D sculpting, along with storytelling. 2020 hit, and we were all overwhelmed working from home and learning how to homeschool our kids.

I began posting little drawings to help people smile... telling stories with art. Stories that connected us in this new world of solitude. The pieces became bigger, more elaborate, and each one had something I had never done before, which helped me grow as an artist.

What is your medium and why did you choose it?

I primarily use drawing media. I have always loved drawing more than anything else. I love the control and being able to get lost in the tiny details. However, I also enjoy experimenting with other media, and I sometimes layer them into my drawings. Experimenting with other mediums helps me explore the world differently, which, I've found, helps with my drawings.

What was the inspiration behind this work?

"Paper Cuts" is a story about overcoming negativity and self‐doubt by holding onto belief and encouragement from a meaningful source, whether that’s family, faith, or inner strength. I wanted to emphasize resilience in the face of rejection and failure. Ultimately, it’s a message to keep pursuing dreams, trusting in your worth, and continuing to try no matter how many setbacks arise.

Who is your favorite artist? Why?

I can't pick just one! lol! Chuck Close, for his experimental side, using fingerprints, paper pulp, and even tapestries to create portraits. I also love MC Escher for his spatial awareness and rhythmic compositions ‐ marrying art with math. Norman Rockwell for his storytelling. Watercolor artist Marc Folly for his brilliant use of shadow and light. Likewise, for Imogen Cunningham, a photographer who truly painted using light.