Interview with Bex Wilkinson

Rebecca Wilkinson (Bex) was born in Chicago, Illinois, to parents who were avid art collectors. Her childhood was spent surrounded by works by The Hairy Who (1966-69), and Surrealists such as Paul Delvaux & Joan Miro, as well as artists without quite as much recognition like Maryan (1927-1977.)  Her parents also collected local Chicago and New York artists such as Seymour Rosofsky (1924-1981,) Leon Golub (1922-2004,) and Irving Petlin (1934-2018) who also influenced her work. At six years old, Bex boldly declared that it was an ‘artist's life for her,’ told her parents that she would become a painter, and wanted to paint the living room ceiling purple with pink polka dots! She understood, even then, the paramount importance of art in the world. 

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

I am a multi-media artist working mostly in the abstract form. Although technically trained, I feel that it is art's role to engage the viewer in questioning the obvious, and dig deeper in his or her soul to realms of the subconscious through abstract images. The mediums of paint, encaustic, and plaster casting allow for a more three-dimensional reality to surface. I do enjoy spending time working in gouache and pastel and sketching and painting scenes in the natural world, or still lives, but my primary works of art are on the canvas. I also have dabbled in working with glass. I believe that art is personal, political and spiritual- and the artist is a reflection of a time, place and political or spiritual space.  I allow my work to rise from my subconscious and often the images that surface are messages of what is happening collectively in society. Although many of my paintings might be deemed as "dark," I often have a tongue and cheek attitude infused with an ironic wit that allows my sense of humor to be present in the work. 

It is difficult to define "yourself" because I do believe the Self is separate from the work. I have spent decades studying Jungian Psychology and Zen Buddhism- the nature of the Self is ever changing and evolving. If I were to describe "myself" I suppose it would be an aging bohemian with a leaning towards liberalism! But I am not solely that. I am a mother to two wonderful grown children. A friend to many. And a lover of animals. And a lover and supporter art in general. I am a community member and sometimes a community organizer. I am a Being Human- and not just a Human Being- ever unfolding into the mystery of life.

How do you go about beginning a new piece? Do you have an idea already in mind, or do you start working with materials or sketches to find the departure point?

I am reactive. Both in character and as an artist. Which, I might say, is not always the best!  I often start a painting with not much knowledge, but a general sense, of where I want to go with it.  For example, I might think, "Gee, I want to do something about the American Flag." But usually, the starting point is not the ending point. The painting dictates to ME what it wants to be. I feel merely like a conduite to the expression. Because of this, often issues of political content emerge because I am a citizen of the world and am affected by what is happening globally. But sometimes the images become more "archetypal."  "Safe and Secure" started as a painting commenting on the illusion we all have of being safe and secure. I took images from the DELTA pocket guide of what to do in case of an emergency.  However, as I worked on the piece, Putin invaded Ukraine. Suddenly the painting took a turn about an outward manifestation of war and the horrors therein. My more archetypal paintings such as "Man" and "Woman" rise from symbols that live within the human psyche and have a symbolic-like presence.  These are not planned out- they merely show up.

When do you think your most prolific time of day or week is?

I spend afternoons either painting or drawing. That is when I am most prolific.  But to be honest, many of my pieces have happened in the late …

… inhibition and the work becomes more like a love relationship than a day job. That being said, I do feel that it is necessary to set a schedule for creation; for if I don't other things can eat up each day.

 What is a barrier you as an artist overcame? Is there anything that enabled you to develop your work as an artist in your life?

I stopped doing art for 25 years! I literally decided NOT to be an artist at …

… Caleb died. All I did was paint and I could not stop. That started when I was 50 years old after 25 years of not doing it. I now am on my 6th year of fully dedicating myself to my work. My kids have grown.

 Did you have an idea of what you wanted to create right from the beginning?

The first thing I did when I came back to painting after the suicide, was to paint the entire garage where my spouse had taken his …

… had done the previous year. The title of this piece was, "The Nature of Impermanence." This entire experience helped me heal and was completely cathartic. From there I began my professional life as an artist.

 What is the meaning or creative inspiration for your work? We’re curious what the narrative or story is to what you are producing?

My idols are Frida Khalo, Max Beckmann, Kath Kolowitz, and Vincent Van Gogh. …

… communicating is to "pay attention" to what is seeminly under the surface of contemporary culture. Dig deeper into the dark places that no one wants to touch- because if you (I) do, you will find liberation.

 Besides your artworks, are there any other things in life that your voice as an artist may consider vital or valuable? What makes you joyful and creative, in other words?

I am joyful and I am creative. But I don't think that would describe my work. In fact, someone who was visitng my studio asked me if I were in a rage every time I paint! LOL. I told them (and it's true) "Absolutely not! But I might be in a RAGE if didn't paint!"

 Are there any exhibitions or places where people can see these beautiful creations in person soon? Anything on the horizon?

I've been very fortunate these past couple years with various art shows. I showed with Agora Gallery in NY and was represented in three art fairs with them. I am now included in group exhibitions with PAKS Gallery, Vienna, and Colorida Gallery, Lisbon. This year I have been asked by a gallery from Chicago to show at Art Miami and am hoping that they might take me on as one of their artists. I also have a group show planned in NYC with Artifact Gallery. It is my goal within the next few years to have perhaps 2 or 3 galleries that represent my work. I sell a lot of my work out of my studio at this point, and off of my website. And I am deeply grateful that some people resonate with the work I do. 

Website: www.bexwilkinson.com