The Public Art, Modern Sculpture and Contemporary Abstract Paintings of Tucson Artist Rebecca Thompson
by Charles Spillar on Jul. 19, 2010, under arts, Tucson ArtTucson’s award winning artist Rebecca Thompson is our featured artist of the month. Art for Rebecca is a visual language, a way to cross barriers of gender, culture and economics through her creations.
When I asked WHY she creates what she does she answered, ”Creating with my hands, making ideas, stories, concepts into tangible forms is really about language. It is my language…the way I express views and observations. Without this language of visual art I would be silenced and sad.”
Through her art she continues to explore human interactions as well as those of nature and science. She continues to ask questions and is forever curious. Like many artists the process of making art calms her senses and takes her to that blissful place we often call Nirvana. Most artists of all types of creativity whether painters, musicians, dancers etc. experience this loss of time and escape into this magical zone while they are creating. It is the point of their greatest creations.
Below is a slideshow of a number of Rebecca’s art forms.
As you can see from the works above the artist constantly strives to create work that is dedicated to connecting to the viewers or to connect communities with themselves or their environments. Art for her is about connections on many levels. It is about discovery, discovering what has always existed and bringing these treasures to the surface of our consciousness.
Rebecca Thompson has won numerous awards, received several grants and has a vast portfolio of public art commissions as well as gallery exhibitions. Her art has been featured in numerous publications including Sculpture International.
For her public art she draws on the rich history of the designated site to develop the theme for her creation. She has become a master of metal casting, wood and stone cravings as well as architecturally designed monuments and garden areas. She often combines all these skills to make memorable public art.
Her monumental work in downtown Phoenix, about the City’s history, titled “The Phoenix,” is the first of its kind. The 28-foot high rammed earth and bronze structure required code modifications from the City of Phoenix planning department. Her dedication to details and the collaborative process with others made this monument in its unique form possible.

Artist Rebecca Thompson
She is an active member of Tucson’s art community and often takes on projects that require community involvement. Presently she is involved in creating contemplative work such as commemorative garden spaces and meditation gardens for public parks, corporate and educational establishments.
For more information please contact her at:
Pendulum Studios (located at Citizens Art Studios in the historic warehouse arts district)
Website: rebeccathompsonsculpture.com
Phone: 520-260-0922 FAX: 520-615-8882




































July 20th, 2010 on 8:39 am
Great story Rebecca. Hope all is well withyou and your family.
July 20th, 2010 on 10:52 am
Big thanks to Sanofi-Aventis located at corner of Innovation dr. and Rancho Vistoso for the opportunity to create the public meditation garden!
July 20th, 2010 on 8:55 am
Great article about you! Many happy future projects! I am glad you live in Tucson.
July 20th, 2010 on 11:01 am
Thanks Donna
July 20th, 2010 on 9:00 am
Terrific sculptures. Do you know where is that “La Puerta” in Tucson? I’d like to go & see it.
July 20th, 2010 on 10:49 am
Hi
the la puerta is located at curtis park located at river and la cholla
west side of la cholla south of river.
thanks for your comments!
July 20th, 2010 on 11:08 am
Thanks, we will check it out soon (once it gets a little cooler).
July 20th, 2010 on 9:07 am
What a great article Rebecca! So honored to be considered one of your friends! peace & love…
July 20th, 2010 on 11:23 am
Thanks Olga,
blessings back to you!
July 20th, 2010 on 9:32 am
Keep up the great work! We would love to work with you again soon!
July 20th, 2010 on 11:21 am
Thanks, your METALPHYSIC team always does an amazing job on molds, casting and helping us crazy artists!
July 20th, 2010 on 9:35 am
Love the outdoor items. Well done. Maybe we could sell the “Kiva” in front of the Tucson Public Library in downtown and give the money to replace it? Clevealnd and a city in Japan rejected it and we bought it for about $150,000. (The local Native Americans never had Kiva’s). But who would buy it. Maybe the going price for scrap metal is up now.
Sorry for throwing in this thought but we dont celebrate local talent and buy junk from out of state. Tucson dos that a lot. (Rio Nuevo).
July 20th, 2010 on 11:11 am
Hello,
Public art seems to draw both criticism and praise no matter what we do. Thank you for your comments.
July 20th, 2010 on 9:49 am
Lovely, really great article!
July 20th, 2010 on 11:22 am
Thank you for your comments
July 20th, 2010 on 10:53 am
hey! i see rebecca’s rillito river lounges every day…and i’ve also seen people trying to lounge comfortably on them…they look really neat-o but prob. could use a pillow (or 60) to be comfortable.
thanks for awesome article, charlie!
July 20th, 2010 on 11:02 am
Yes, I was thinking a pillow, towel and margarita would all be a plus
July 20th, 2010 on 11:55 am
hahahhaha! as long as you don’t get rid of those jazzy coffees on the adjacent tables!
July 20th, 2010 on 1:04 pm
Hi Rebecca! What a great article! I know this will bring you a lot of work, so you’d better get ready my friend!
There is a reason for you to be out here in Tucson.
Arizona and Sonora need great artists like you!
See you soon!
July 21st, 2010 on 12:51 am
thank you Patricia, I will come to Sonora any
July 20th, 2010 on 2:37 pm
Sorry but I re-read my own comment and I dropped one important word from it! I said we should sell the downtown red “Kiva” in front of the library. And give you the money to replace it. Dropped the word “you”.
It would be money well spent.
July 20th, 2010 on 4:37 pm
So excited to hear about your success. Your vision and soul shines through your terrific works of art. Many blessings for your continued success.
Keep in touch.
July 21st, 2010 on 12:53 am
Maria,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Really appreciate it.
August 31st, 2010 on 1:40 pm
Back at Elmira I knew you were going somewhere. You’ve always inspired me as an artist and your work can inspire others as well. It looks great and your vision shines through.
August 31st, 2010 on 1:42 pm
You are an inspiration! It was great to be able to work along side you at Elmira and I always knew you would do great things. This if proof of that. Your work is beautiful and your vision shines through!
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