“Art is a force of nature…”
Paul Zimmerman in conversation with Rebeccah Klodt
David Zimmerman: How did you get interested in art?
Rebeccah Klodt: Art has had an impact on me throughout my life and I translated that passion into interior design for decades and have been painting for just as long. I can’t image my life without art’s impact.
DZ: What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
RK Between my three children, three dogs, husband, and work life, finding time to breathe my creativity to life can be challenging at times. I’m never lacking inspiration or creative strategy, simply having the world around me to be at peace and be able to keep up is not only an artistic challenge, but a life challenge.
DZ: What is your artistic process? How do you create your paintings?
RK: Inspiration is everywhere. Nature, other artists, life itself. Once I feel a particular inclination toward a subject be it time, space, reflection, the soul, or a mess on the floor, I dive into it. Once I’m in my flow state, I don’t think so much about “How” I’m creating, but more of “What” I’m creating.
DZ: Do you have any particular goal in mind when you start your piece?
RK: Whenever I start a new piece, my goal is to ensure that the entire idea, and inspiration for that particular piece is expressed. Nothing can be left off the canvas. However, most importantly, I want my art to be up for interpretation. There is a fine line between expressing my inspiration and encouraging the viewer to engage with the piece. When it comes to collections, I make sure that each piece represents a different thought or inspiration associated with the overall theme of the collection.
DZ: How do you know when the painting is finished?
RK: It is always difficult to know when a painting is finished. Sometimes I step away from a particular painting for a few days to allow it to settle into my mind or make up my mind on what I would like to add. The most important thing is to take the time to be sure.
DZ: Has your practice changed over time?
RK: My process is alive. It changes painting by painting, stroke by stroke.
DZ: Which artists are you most influenced by?
RK: I won’t mention the same masters we have all been influenced by. My latest valuable influences come from the artists I meet from around the world. It isn’t just their art. It is their personality. To meet them and see their personalities come to life through their work is a fantastic and inspiring experience.
DZ: How would you define yourself as an artist?
RK: Just like my work. Untitled. I want the viewer to define who I am as an artist.
DZ: What are you working on now?
RK: I’m nearly finished with a series titled About Time that explores time, space, and our relationship with the universe as we know it and what we don’t know about that relationship. Another I’m working on is the Kitchen Collection which is playful and meant to bring positivity to the kitchen. The third collection I’m working on is the Conundrum Collection which is about being in positions in which one has to make a difficult decision. There are other inspirations that aren’t ready to be shared yet.
DZ: What is the main message of your work?
RK: Art is a force of nature, from musicians, painters, writers, scientists, to philosophers, and more, their efforts are an expression of their natural need to manifest their ideas. The manifestation of ideas is an art regardless of medium. This force of creation is our divine expression of our experiences and it is important to recognize those expressions from each other. That recognition creates dialogue and love. Through this understanding, art creates love and moreover, art is life.