We recently connected with Rebekah Tee and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebekah, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was teaching art extended day (after school program) while finishing my Music degree. I realized I enjoyed teaching art to kids and creating art alongside them rather than pursue music professionally (although I still enjoyed it immensely). I decided to finish that Bachelors in Music, get certified in Secondary Art Education, and teach music on the side.
Creating art for myself was important. I once got so busy that I forgot that importance. But one mentor of mine in education mentioned that you don’t want to create when you’re retired…or you will lose your soul and drive along the way. That set me in a creative panic so I have made sure I created work for a show or street paint regularly.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve found venues that accommodate both me as an artist and an opportunity for my students to participate. This may be an art show at a gallery, online contest, or a street painting event (chalk). Rubbing elbows with my students keeps me fresh and motivated. This also encourages spontaneous feedback on both ends.
Since I was 10, I dreamt of teaching out of my own studio by the time I retired. At retirement maturity, I decided to keep teaching but I did finally build my studio in my backyard! I have held groups and individuals seeking fun, creative curiosity, or portfolio reviews on all levels. I accommodate ages 6+ and will soon provide access to those with disabilities.
I want the “Art Barn” to be welcoming to all levels of experience. I offer most 2D and 3D media and sessions are 1-3 hours. I pride myself in that I provide an affordable artistic experience!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Ultimately, I plan to work out of my studio full-time. In the meantime, its a creative space and time between teaching art to amazing kids and balancing my need to create. In part, I think I would be hypocritical to my students if I were to expect them to finish artwork while I didn’t create myself! I feel that I should stay fresh by learning new techniques myself then employing those into new lessons. I hate to make it a cliche that my talent is tethered to my teaching but it simply seems that they are so intimately interconnected that its too recognizable to my personality. I often say I’m a package deal…you want me in your show or at your event? I gotta bring my kids, then!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When I street paint, I use original cartoons of people’s pets in the theme provided. The ideas I come up with click with the audience of all ages, whether its the way I draw them or the joke behind the overall composition. Many people relate to the drawings especially if an animal (pet) is involved. When they “get it” and laugh or smile, well I did my job as an artist!
My physical art varies. Depending on the topic, depends on the art I create. I don’t like to stick to one particular medium. This has given me liberty to accommodate requests and a variety of art shows. I seem to create at the very last minute before a deadline or reinvent artwork from my dreams. These tend to sell rather than ones I plan!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chalktee and @0ld_art_teacher
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebekah.tee.7
• Linkedin: Rebekah Tee
• Other: https://linktr.ee/007artbarn

Image Credits

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