Join us on AART the Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Rebecca Youssef, a visionary mixed media artist whose work bridges painting, collage, and experimental techniques. In this episode, Rebecca shares her artistic journey, the stories behind her most captivating pieces, and the creative processes that fuel her unique style. From early inspirations to her current explorations in contemporary mixed media art, Rebecca provides an intimate look at how she transforms materials into expressive, thought-provoking works of art. Whether you’re an art lover, an aspiring artist, or simply curious about the world of contemporary art, this episode offers invaluable insights into the mind of a modern mixed media artist, including tips on overcoming creative blocks, finding your artistic voice, and navigating the art world. Tune in for a conversation full of creativity, passion, and the power of artistic expression.
Keywords:
Rebecca Youssef, mixed media artist, contemporary art, art podcast, creative process, AART the Podcast, painting and collage, artist interview, modern art techniques, art inspiration, biographical artist interview
BIO
Mixed media artist Rebecca Youssef was born in Lebanon, PA in 1973. The daughter of teachers Chic & Linda Hess, she was the middle of three children; she has an older brother and younger sister. Art runs in her family in different mediums; her sister and a cousin are graphic artists, an aunt was a fashion designer, and her paternal grandmother was a hobby painter. At the age of 9, her family moved to Hawaii where Rebecca began to appreciate the connection between nature and nurture. She developed her interest in gardening and arboriculture, which established the foundation for her focus on eco-culture. Her love of trees and nature is reflected in her work as she strives to bring awareness to the importance of sustainable art. She says: “I’ve been an avid gardener since the age of ten. Even then, I recall understanding the importance of growing and nurturing native plants. I was already in awe of California’s lush topography, and knew that a balanced ecosystem was key to survival for all its members.” Rebecca graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a Bachelor in Fine Arts and a Masters in Art Education from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. After college she worked as a graphic artist and in fashion before teaching art. She met her husband Ike in LA where they live with their three children; Andrew, Caroline and Margaret. Rebecca returned to art seven years ago and after initially finding it a challenge once she found how her art belonged in her soul and with her eco-friendly values, she settled into what has become her niche; using natural materials and sustainable practices for eco-conscious mixed media art. She says: ‘Beautiful things can be made by working with the planet, not taking from it.” As the saying goes: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and Rebecca has proved how waste can be transformed into beauty. A cultivator of native California oak trees, her family’s acorn project has seen over 25,000 acorns planted in the Santa Monica Mountains over the past ten years. Rebecca is currently an artist-in-residence at the 18th Street @ The Airport art complex in Santa Monica, CA.
Rebecca’s favorite female artists: "Jaclyn Gordyan, who uses objects found in nature in her work Laurey Bennett-Levy, who is a printmaker using cyanotype Joan Wulf, who uses smoke and fire to create marks Julie Mehretu, who creates layered, abstracted landscapes Mickalene Thomas, whose collages incorporate glitter, rhinestones and enamel."
Rebecca’s playlist:
"Podcasts: I Like Your Work, Art Problems, The Flying Fruitbowl, Arts To Hearts, Armchair Expert, Pivot Music: Hip Hop only Audiobooks: Everything from fiction to self help. I just started Finding The Mother Tree and am loving it."
Rebecca's website: https://www.rebeccayoussef.com/
Instagram: rebecca.youssef_studio
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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