Rebecca Ustrell
Rebecca Ustrell is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Curious Publishing. Curious Publishing was established to promote and nurture the underrepresented and under-serviced talents of the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and Greater Southern California. Through her experience in coordinating the Claremont Art Walk Pop-Up Gallery from 2016-2018, she decided to highlight the many talented artists in her first indie publication CURIOUS Magazine in September 2018. Since then, CP has published a new edition of CURIOUS every quarter with a new theme and focus per issue. In addition to CURIOUS Magazine, Curious Publishing also publishes a biannual lifestyle and culture journal entitled ABYME Magazine; Curious also acts as a consultant and publisher for independent artist publications for artists throughout Southern California. Her involvement in the arts extends through several collaborations in the Inland Empire. She serves as the Events & Engagement Coordinator for The Arts Area. These projects are all in addition to her solo career as a visual artist, and creative writer.
Artist Statement
I use India ink markers in an array of bright and pastel pigments on gesso primed wood and paper. I like to test the limits of ink with the use of unusual color pallets. I have had some of my drawings digitally printed onto tapestries in order to bring softness to the imagery, much like the person or object being portrayed.
My work focuses mainly on the female and male form and its relationship to the natural world, along with illustrative works of plants and animals. I tend to look at the relationships of my subject matter in terms of playfulness, coyness and sensuality. I place the people, animals and objects in settings that are both familiar and comfortable, but at the same time in unusual situations to provoke intrigue and desire. I take the chaos that exists around us in the world and organize that chaos in my imagery.
Mediums/Skills
India ink, Acrylic, Wood, Textiles, Adobe Creative Suite
Solo Exhibitions
November 2017 | Petite Confessions | Dermagarden | Claremont, CA
December 2017 | Lush | Buttercup Catering | Claremont, CA
March 2018 | Curious Pleasures | Claremont Heritage Ginger Elliot Exhibition Space | Claremont, CA
November 2018 | Fragmented | SPACE Gallery & Records | Claremont, CA
Group Shows
First Saturdays 2015-2018 | Claremont Art Walk | Claremont Packing House | Claremont, CA
September 2017 | Growing Art at the Foothills | Graber Olive House | Ontario, CA
November 2017 | Artisans Sale in the Garden | Claremont Heritage | Claremont, CA
February 2018 | Simply Red at The dA | The dA Center for the Arts | Pomona, CA
February 2018 | Erotic Art Show | The Rental Girl | Los Angeles, CA
April 2018 | Claremont Zinefest | Claremont Packing House | Claremont, CA
Employment
Founder, Creative Director & Editor in Chief | Curious Publishing | September 2018-Current | Upland, CA
Curator | Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge | Summer 2019-2020| Claremont, CA
Curator | Claremont Community Foundation Gallery | Summer 2018 | Claremont, CA
Organizer, Graphic Designer | Claremont Art Walk Pop-Up Gallery, CVMG | August 2016 -2018 | Claremont, CA
Artistic, Philanthropic Director | California Focus Magazine | Summer 2017 | Upland, CA
Speaking Engagements
“Volunteerism in the Arts” for the Speaker Series | Middletree Academy | May 2018 | Claremont, CA
Community Involvement
Events & Engagement Coordinator | The Arts Area | 2018-Current
Curatorial Intern | Claremont Community Foundation | 2017-2018
Volunteer Organizer | Claremont Art Walk, CVMG | 2016-2017
Intern, Public Arts | The dA Center for the Arts | 2016