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
