Artist: Rebecca Bishop
Titles & Mediums: Lake Shore Utah Lake en Plein Air- Oil on ABS Panel, Lake Mountain Utah Lake en Plein Air- Oil on ABS Panel, Thistles Mount Timpanogos en Plein Air- Oil on ABS Panel, Storms Echo Provo Canyon en Plein Air- Oil on ABS Panel, Maple Mountain en Plein Air- Oil on ABS Panel, Fall Rocky Mountains- Watercolor on Handmade Cotton Paper, Sunrise Rocky Mountains- Watercolor on Handmade Cotton Paper, A New Day Rocky Mountains- Watercolor on Handmade Cotton Paper, Silent Rockies- Watercolor on Handmade Cotton Paper, Tranquil Rockies- Watercolor on Handmade Cotton Paper
Artist Statement: Recovery from a brain injury was a slow process but thanks to my paintbrush, I climbed seemingly insurmountable mountains. My collection of mini paintings took a year to complete as I imagined healing, didn't give up, and dreamed of painting the mountains outdoors. Painting without references helps me minimize cognitive fatigue so I can handle painting longer. This past year is the first time since my brain injury that I was able to paint en plein air (outdoors). Celebrating small wins, finding gratitude, and choosing happiness keeps me going — and I hope my art will help others to persevere when they are wondering “Why?” something has happened. Although I’m not fully recovered “yet,” I believe “Why not!”
Artist Biography: Bishop is a survivor of a traumatic brain injury. After a serious car accident, she struggled to read at a first grade level, let alone pursue her dream career as a social worker. She turned to painting watercolors to create hope on her darkest days. She originally considered her artwork to be trash and often could only hold her paintbrush for a few minutes. But as she climbed insurmountable mountains, her paintings became treasured stories of hope and healing.
Bishop is the first place winner of a pie eating contest, the Springville Art Museum Chalk Art Show, and the SCERA Art Show in Utah Valley. She has lived in 4 countries and is addicted to books, back rubs, polar bears, and creativity.
Bishop’s ultimate goal is to spread hope, increase resiliency, and encourage belonging by offering 40 free resources at www.artsypaint.com/hope
