September is Surfaces Month on our Customer Engagement Calendar so we connected with talented painter Becca Tindol for an interview. Becca is a full-time artist who has used art as a way to process emotional trauma. She spoke to us about what surfaces she likes working with, how painting is a spiritual process for her, and shares a bit about her journey as an artist. Learn more about her below!
- Where are you from and where do you currently reside?
I was born in Connecticut while my Dad was in law school. I have lived in Alabama the majority of my life though and currently reside in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- As a professional artist, what does your day-to-day look like?
Nearly every day I am painting, finishing up projects, creating merchandise to sell on my website or at festivals/events, interacting with clients, and posting on multiple social media accounts. I play the role of not only an artist but a business owner, accountant, marketer, and more. I wake up excited to further my art career and make that my goal every day.
- What has kept you engaged and committed to your craft over the years?
Honestly, I just have a natural passion and drive to create art. It is as natural as breathing to me. The wave of positive emotions that comes over me while painting or finishing a project is unexplainable.
- How have you grown as an artist in the past five years and what are the major contributing factors to your growth?
I have only been painting consistently for about 4 years now. My journey has changed dramatically, I started painting just for fun but it has become so much more. Four years ago I was in school with the goal of becoming a paralegal, I had never even thought about being an artist full time. Being in school left me the space to pursue art since I wasn’t working and I soon discovered how fulfilling creating was. I processed many emotional traumas through creating and art became a spiritual path as well. I started posting my art online, sharing the meanings behind my pieces, and connecting with a community of people who appreciated my work. I soon started selling my paintings, prints, and more. Receiving so much support from others really pushed me to improve my skills and dedicate myself to my art. I decided that I wanted to spend every day painting and had to figure out how to do this full time. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and go for it once I graduated, which was a little over a year ago. I have experienced so much in the past few years, being a mother, getting married, graduating college, and becoming a full-time artist. Each of these experiences has made me really question what I want out of life, and I am choosing to follow my dreams.
- What are some of your favorite pieces you’ve done?
It is very hard for me to pick a favorite since I love each painting for different reasons. Perhaps my Dream Tree piece is my favorite as it is the largest and most detailed painting I have done yet. My painting Journey Into the All Knowing Eye is also a favorite as it expresses my journey through healing from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and my spiritual awakening through art.
- What materials do you most commonly use?
I love to paint, I use mainly acrylics. I also use an airbrush and have made it a prominent tool I use in my art over the past year. Fluorescent paints are some of my favorites due to their brightness. Some of my favorite paint brands are Liquitex and Createx, I also prefer Iwata brand airbrushes and AIT paintbrushes.
- What surfaces do you like working with and why?
I mainly use canvas as it is affordable and easy to find. I also love thrifting for wooden pieces such as boxes, shelves, cabinets, and more to paint on.
- What are your website and social media links?
My website is www.alteredmoonart.com and all my social media links can be found here www.linktr.ee/alteredmoonart
