We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Shakespeare Armstrong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am grateful to have worked on quite a few meaningful projects with other creatives but one of the most meaningful projects I have ever worked on was doing my first solo exhibition. After getting back into the arts in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, I never thought two years later I would have such a fulfilling opportunity. Everyone who contributed to the show were individuals from my village which made it even more special. My solo exhibit was entitled “Under the SEE”. The show brought attention to the need to discover your personality outside of what we present on social media. Not knowing in 2023 I would be in my first citywide fashion show, the art exhibition really pushed me to grow in my faith and creativity. It has helped reshaped how I see myself in my current environment and in the fashion industry. Yet having a background in fashion, I have experienced some of same complexities often created in social media spaces like weight of comparison. At the end of the day, I really want to be who God has called me to be. The process of the show and exhibition as a whole, impacted me dearly.

Rebecca, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have a love for creating unique and inspiring works of art and fashion. From a young age, I have been passionate about creating pieces that are meaningful and full of vibrancy. I attended Bowling Green State University for Fashion Merchandising and Product Development. My husband is also an artist and with our eclectic children, the home is always full of creative projects. I gravitate to watercolor and acrylic as my favorite mediums. In summer 2023, I launched my first official clothing line of original and reconstructed garments. My inspiration stems from not only my faith, but my Jamaican heritage as well as the 80s and 90s bold use of color.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, the best way to support artists and creatives in general would be to work with actual humans. Being willing to pay the artists for their time and their craft. Respect the artist and their art. Being compassionate enough not to just think about the project that needs to be done and really look at the individuals that you are working with as yourselves. Think about ow would you want to be treated if you were the artist or designer and go from there.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the lesson of “only work alone”. Yes, there will be times when you need to work alone to focus on some projects but honestly, I have gained so much more when I became willing to work with others and be of service to other creatives when they may need my assistance.

Not to say I have never been mistreated by peers in my profession, but I eventually had to make up in my mind, that those negative situations cannot dictate how I navigate the new seasons of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beyondfreshRJS.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondfreshshop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-shakespeare-armstrong-1294aa82/

Image Credits
Image 1: Drew Jackson Image 2: Simon Shakespeare