Interview with Artist Becky Berreth

March 4, 2023
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FoF Artist Highlight

Interview with Fallbrook Artist, Becky Berreth

Today in our Friends of Fallbrook Artist Highlight, we speak with Artist Becky Berreth of Awakened In Color

Please tell us about yourself!

My family and I moved to Fallbrook in 2008. We lived here for about 5 years and then decided to make our way to the coast. As much as we loved living by the beach, we missed Fallbrook terribly!

We moved back last year and feel like we are finally home. The people here in Fallbrook are so incredibly friendly. A simple wave from a stranger or a quick chat with someone passing by – It’s these simple things that make life so beautiful.

I feel very blessed to live here and I couldn’t ask for a better environment to paint and create! When I’m not painting, you can find me in the great outdoors. I love to hike, mountain bike, rock climb, snowboard, and so much more! I also love to cook, dance, and most importantly, I love to laugh!

We are big fans of yours on Instagram! Starting out, what was your main focus as an artist? How has that evolved over time?

I never set out to be an artist. I actually had never created any sort of art until I came across a paint set, four years ago, while wandering around Ross! I thought, why not? Painting would have to be better than watching TV in the evenings. So that night, I sat down and began to paint! I had never felt complete freedom like that ever before. I wondered if this was how all artists felt as they sat down to create? I was absolutely terrible at it, but I didn’t want to stop. I’ve been painting ever since!

I find it so interesting where life can take you sometimes. If someone would’ve said to me four years ago that I would be earning a living as an artist today, I would’ve thought they were crazy. To have people connect with my art and feel something from it, it’s just so special to me. I get to do something that I absolutely love for a living because of that connection. I’m forever grateful for that!

What challenges have you faced?

I think the biggest challenge I still face to a certain degree, is allowing myself to be fully vulnerable. As an artist, you are literally giving a piece of yourself to all who view your work. I’m an emotional artist, so most of my work expresses what I’m feeling or an emotion that I’m feeling from someone else. That’s very personal, so allowing myself to be open, to share and to feel confident about that is a little scary. I’m getting better with it!

Tell us why you love what you do?

I love getting lost, shutting my brain down as if I’m in a deep meditation, and just letting go. It’s complete freedom to express without restriction.

If you could do it differently, would you?

Absolutely not! I think things unfold the way they are meant to. I didn’t find my passion until I was well into my 40’s, and I believe that was due to where I was at in my life. I was a stay at home mom for many years, and my focus was on my family. As my children got older, it freed up a bit more time for me to explore the things that I might enjoy.

Who or what inspires you?

Raw emotions inspire me to create. I find honesty and openness very beautiful.

Please list a few rules that you try to live by?

Remember to see the world through a child’s eyes as often as possible – look at that stink bug and find it fascinating, dance when you feel like it, play, laugh, be silly, do a cartwheel! Life doesn’t have to be so serious. Find the joy in the mundane. A day without laughter is a day wasted, so share a smile and a laugh with a stranger. Make someone feel appreciated. And just simply be kind ❤️

If you could give advice to an aspiring artist, what would it be?

Create for you. Don’t ever feel confined or that you have to do things a certain way. The best thing about art is that you have the freedom to create whatever, and however, you want. Most importantly, have fun!

What’s next for you?

I’ve been painting for close to 4 years now, and I can’t imagine my life without it! My work can be found online, but this year I’m working towards showing my art in more public settings. I just recently had an art exhibition at Culture, in Solana Beach, and it was a wonderful experience! I would love to do more of that, especially here in Fallbrook!