curators corner: artist spotlight
rebeccah klodt
Rebeccah Klodt is an abstract artist from the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Her art is on display throughout the United States and Europe. She works out of her Minneapolis studio overlooking the Mississippi River, and her lake home as well. Nature, and life's majesty are key inspirations for Rebeccah; however, she is always quick to give credit to her three creative children, husband, and loyal pets for their valuable encouragement and critique.
Rebeccah has worked for over thirty-five years as an interior designer and continues to partner with other designers, artists, and architects.
What are the primary concepts and focus of your art and How do these ideas relate to your medium, and creative process itself?
As an abstract artist, my primary concept is being truthful to the creative process. The process can be different for each painting; however, my emphasis is on being mindful not to force the painting into existence. My painting process is about freedom of material, medium, color (or lack thereof), and to attempt to use them to control the outcome of the painting would feel disingenuous to my creativity and expression.
Which artists are you inspired and influenced by?
Abstract expressionists have always been an inspiration; however, I draw a lot of inspiration from friends, artists, musicians, and writers I’ve met through my artistic journey.
Some of my newest friends are:
Kyra Cowen -Germany
Margarita Nores Marino -Argentina
Tanja Playner -Austria
Our styles are all different yet I connect with all of them on a personal level and truly love their work.
Also, another friend and inspiration is Darcy Ferril. We worked together for years. To this day we still stay in contact, share ideas, inspirations, and new projects. She’s always experimenting with new things and inspires creativity in everyone she meets.
Which of your works stands out as a highlight, a favorite, or a significant point in your creative growth and development? and why?
A significant turning point was my first solo exhibit. I’d spent years painting but never exhibiting. When I finished a painting I shared it with family, friends, and colleagues then put it into storage. Until my first solo exhibition, there was never a time when my pieces were on display together. It was a wonderful opportunity to see my body of work and how my art-life has evolved.
What is your artist message, what do you wish to communicate to the viewer?
The work is meant to speak for itself. From person to person, each piece means something different. The individualized meaning, and personal interpretation of art is important to me, and I want viewers to be able to interpret my art without context beyond themselves. Whatever the viewer experiences is the message.
What memorable reactions have you had to your work?
The painting below has drawn tears from viewers on occasion. While at an exhibition in Hudson, NY, I asked the gallery owner if he cried too and he laughed and said, “Yes, because it’s so heavy.” We had a good laugh because not only is it visually heavy, but the painting is 40”x60” and has several thick layers of paint and sand. It’s physically heavy too!
What is your dream project?
My dream project would be to collaborate with a writer, musician, scientist, or mathematician to see what our collective creativity could come up with. I believe it would be an interesting, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience.
What advice would you give to your younger or older self?
To my younger self I would say, “Pay attention to everything. Pay attention to yourself too.” To my older self I would say, “Hopefully you have everything figured out by now and don’t need my advice!”