May 26, 2021

Rebecca Mapes

AS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST, HOW DO YOU DECIDE YOUR MEDIUMS?

I choose my mediums based on my tendencies as an artist. I’m meticulous by nature and because of that I naturally gravitate towards collage and jewelry. I also tend to get bored and switching between mediums keeps me motivated.

GLASS BLOWING IS QUITE HEAVY AND PHYSICAL FROM OUTSIDERS’ EYES LIKE US, HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO DIVE INTO THIS WORLD?

I bought myself a glassblowing class for my birthday one year because I had an idea for a jewelry display made out of glass. During the class, I discovered my idea could work and I began a glass blowing apprenticeship a couple of months later. After making the displays, I had fallen in love with the medium and was inspired to explore further.

WHAT DRAWS YOUR ATTENTION CONSTANTLY? OR DO YOU FIND YOURSELF INSPIRED BY DIFFERENT THINGS ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT PERIODS?

I’m constantly inspired by nature, and while living in New York my lack of direct access to it informed my appreciation of flora and fauna. I sought out the natural world in scientific illustrations, and trips to city parks and botanical gardens. Since living in New Mexico, I’ve been increasingly inspired by furniture and architecture. I partially attribute that to my partner’s interest in and knowledge of the subject.