REBECCA MCGEE TUCK
Prowess, Steek, wood, sea debris and wire
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? When I was in elementary school I would go to my Aunt Fran’s studio in Waterbury Connecticut. It was a colorful basement studio with a bright orange door and blue cement floors. There she would teach us how to make mosaics with egg shells and to blend pastels and even to oil paint. It was in her studio that I knew I wanted to be an artist like she was. It was so exciting and a different adventure with art mediums all of the time.
When did art become a pursuit? I began my journey to become an artist when I went to Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 1990. I left school a few years later to start a family. Through the years I did a number of creative things including floral design, welding and making crafts for craft fairs. In 2016 I decided to reapply to Mass Art to finish my degree in Sculpture. I had a feeling that going back to school would launch me closer to my goal of becoming a successful studio artist. I earned my BA finally last May 2019. Since graduation I have been working full time in my studio in Framingham at the Mill Contemporary Art Studios.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I graduated in 3D Studio Art in Sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art and Design May 2019
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I live in Natick and am part of the Open Studios here. My sculpture Ideas were chosen as part of the Natick Cultural District Creative Place Making Event in our town last December. I had a piece in the Umbrella Arts Centers Art Ramble which is a sculpture walk through the Concord forest that was in the woods this August through November. I am a member of Jodi Colella’s Fiber Lab in Somerville. I am working on a 6 person collaborative sculpture with 5 other fiber artist there.
My studio is also open to the public in Framingham every second Friday of every month from 6-9 pm. I am here to talk to visitors and discuss my work.
If On A Winter’s Day For A Traveler, Sea debris, steel and wire
What role do you think the artist plays in society? Artists are important communicators. Whether it is about climate change, political issues, historic events or personal issues; artists have their own language to put across their ideas, provoke a response or just give a feeling to their audience. This type of creative language I think is very important in the world we live in. We the artists, can give our views through our art, but it is up to the viewer to make their conclusions through their interpretations of our artwork. I believe it helps people open their minds and become more of a creative mind.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? In my work I like to use medium with a history. I use found objects and sea debris that I collect myself as I walk the wrack line of the coasts of New England.
I am a welder and a weaver. My favorite way to work is to weld a framework that I can use to attach my found objects and/or fibers to. In this way I create what I like to think of as sculptural narratives.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I spend a lot of time walking along beaches and collecting sea debris. I love rope, fishing line, nets and rusted metals especially. I imagine where they came from and how they were used and how they came to be collected by me. I also travel to farms and old buildings to collect discarded items that look like they have a story to tell within my work. In my studio, I feel like the materials and objects come together in a intuitive way. The welded frames and structures are a way for me to show how important I think the histories of the found objects are.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? Subject matter comes from the sea debris and found objects that I collect. I am very interested in family history, folk tales, rumors, secrets and tall tales. I believe that when I am creating a sculpture I am unlocking these stories, puzzling together the clues of the detritus and honoring their journey. What I create is a sculptural narrative.
19 Fathoms, Sea debris, steel, wire, well worn clothing, drop cloth and french silk drapes
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Right now my favorite piece is 19 Fathoms. I sent the photo for you to see. It is made with found steel that I welded into a frame. I used several fiber techniques on the frame; weaving, embroidery, quilting, and coiling. It really was a rabbit hole that I went down while making this piece and I was so happy with the results.
What is one of your artistic goals? My goal is to be a constantly working studio artist who is able to show work around New England. I hope to continue to have my work chosen into juried shows. A huge goal I have right now is to meet as many artists that I can and to see as many shows and exhibits that I can. It took my 25 years to finally graduate from art school, I don’t want to wait any longer!
What’s your favorite place to see art? Mass MOCA is a favorite destination of mine, but I love visiting every gallery from Boston to Providence. Local artists are inspiring with all of their unending ways to be creative!
What living artists are you inspired by? Nick Cave is very much my spirit artist. His colors, his textures and layers are inspiring. Nari Ward- so much meaning with his found objects. I hope to create the bond between object and social issues. Nathalie Miebach is so inspirational to me. She is an incredible weaver telling her stories or interpretations of weather data. She is such a hard working artist! My very favorite artist is Mark Dion. His anthropological installation art is a constant motivator for me. The feeling his art gives me… I hope I can give that feeling to someone else.
Do you own any art by other artists? I own art that I have traded with other artists. I regularly go to Open studios and look for art.
CHECK OUT MORE OF REBECCA’S WORK HERE!
- Rebeccamcgeetuck.com
- @rebeccabombshellart