Becca: An Ode to Women Artist Interview
Understanding and illustrating the personal narratives of people and space
Becca Fuhrman is an artist and art director living and working in Seattle. Trained in art and architecture, her interests lie in understanding and illustrating the personal narratives of people and space. We connected with Becca to chat art, inspiration, empowering women, and how nature and travel have the ability to transform us.
Purchase Becca’s Tote to benefit SheJumps:
PV: What was that spark for you with art? What made you want to explore where this form of expression could take you?
Becca: I’ve always loved making things since I was a little kid. I can’t really recall one thing that drew me to it. I’ve always liked to think conceptually, to make weird connections, and to consider how these abstract representations have the power to create meaning.
PV: It’s such a powerful tool for communications. It’s really one of the first recorded ways we told stories and left our mark on the next generation. What do you love about this form of expression?
Becca: I love that the possibilities are endless. There is always a story to tell or something to express.
PV: There’s always so much to absorb and process around us. What inspires you to create? In what ways do passions like the outdoors and travel play a role?
Becca: The human experience inspires me to create. It’s a way of processing, sharing, and communicating ideas. The outdoors and travel have always played a big role in creating. One reason being, there is endless inspiration to be found outside. It’s where everything goes quiet and where ideas often come into focus. Travel also plays a huge role in my life and creative process. Encountering new spaces, new ideas, and new people is so important to me. These experiences show up in my work a lot.
PV: You’ve been tasked to create an art piece for us and we wanted to provide free reign for you to capture our Peace Vans ethos through your own creative lens. What was your process like?
Becca: I wanted to make something that encapsulated the playful easy breezy aspect of travel and exploration, while also incorporating natural elements that make Washington so special. I did this by combining imagery of a woman relaxing in a hammock and also showcased items that reference both land and sea.
PV: We’re launching this campaign as a meaningful way to elevate the women in our community. Proceeds from this collaboration benefit our friends at SheJumps. SheJumps helps build confidence, community, and support for women and girls—cisgender, transgender, as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community—through the transformative power of the outdoors. Why do you feel this mission is important?
Becca: SheJumup’s mission is important because we all deserve to reach our full potential. It’s easy to get blocked by societal expectations and stymied by our own fears—but connecting with nature and engaging in outdoor play are amazing ways to foster new skills, shake up gendered expectations, and build confidence.
PV: We believe every time we’re able to explore big landscapes, discover new places, and wander in the outdoors, we come back better humans. In what ways have those slower moments in nature empowered you?
Becca: Over the winter I road-tripped down to Austin, Texas from Seattle over the course of a month. I stopped in Oregon, Moab, Santa Fe, and Marfa along the way. It was the only time I had really done a road trip on my own and it was incredibly transformative. I was going through a tough time (aren’t we all these days) and being out on the road out in nature was the perfect antidote to how stagnant I had been feeling. I would highly recommend everyone doing some solo travel, especially if you are feeling a bit stuck.
PV: We love how road trips allow for deeper connection and self-discovery. What’s a favorite road trip you’ve been on?
Becca: The recent road trip I took to Austin has been my favorite to date. I was able to see old friends, make a few new ones, and see lots of places I had never been before. It was definitely intimidating at first to travel solo, but it ended up being the most inspiring and empowering trip that I have taken to date. I look forward to taking more solo trips!
Learn more about Becca’s work: beccafuhrman.com
Connect with Becca: @fuhrmz
